by Dan Neil
“Keia Atlos—we meet at last!” the woman said. “I’ve heard so much about you.”
Unnerved by the woman’s calm demeanor, Keia asked, “Who are you? Who’s had so much to say about me?”
“Who else? One of my oldest and dearest friends. You just missed him, in fact! He was here not three days ago, telling me that you would arrive soon. And so you have come.”
Keia had a feeling that she knew who the woman spoke of. She said, “Myrddin betrayed the kingdom. He stole the King’s Spellbook. If I find him, I must bring him in. If you can tell me anything about where he is...”
The woman chuckled. “I do not know his whereabouts. He comes and goes—besides, catching some old fool is not your objective, unless I am mistaken. No matter how much it would impress those hawks back in the capital.”
“How do you know that? Did Myrddin tell you?” Unease suffused through Keia. The woman seemed friendly, but nothing could be trusted in the wild lands.
“Many things Gaea has shown me, and some things Myrddin has told me. Myrddin mentioned your past, and Gaea showed me your future. Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Lady Marienne.”
Keia’s mouth fell open. “Wait—I’ve heard of you!”
The lady blushed. “Oh, you have? I’m sure Myrddin’s spoken of me before in passing.”
“He told me that you wrote the spellbook. And you built the laws.”
She waved the words aside. “He gives me too much credit.”
Keia took another look around the invisible house’s interior. “How did I find this place? The odds are…”
Marienne chuckled. “Oh, I made sure you would. I have my ways, dear. Ah, it seems the other has arrived; shall we welcome him?”
Keia’s head tilted. “Other?”
Someone sharply knocked against the wall. A familiar voice then said, “Come on, then, Marienne! You know that portals aren’t my strong suit.”
Keia looked to Marienne, who was smiling. The old woman said, “Now then, dear—some people don’t share your gifts.”
Good for them, Keia thought. The old woman’s bifocals glowed, and a portal opened beside her. None other than Lord Mar Mercer stepped through.
Keia recoiled. It was a trap; he’s here for me!
His eyes fell upon her, and their stares locked. Keia was ready to cast a portal at a moment’s notice. Her heartrate was accelerating.
Mar smiled. “Lady Keia. I hope you’re recovering well.”
He addressed Lady Marienne next. “Thank you, my lady. As I always say—you might consider a door. This place is bloody hard enough to find as is.”
“Exactly the way I wish it.” The lady bid Keia and Mar to sit. “Come now; we have much to discuss.”
“What do you mean?” Keia asked. “What the hell is he doing here? He’s on the King’s Council!”
Nonchalantly raising his arms, Mar said, “I mean you no harm, young Keia.”
Lady Marienne straightened her posture. Her face became serious as she said, “All will be explained. Many carry word of the Woman Taken by the Wind’s return. Ancient evils stir. They will rise to combat the Mother of Gaea.”
Despite Keia’s reservations, her interest was piqued. She wondered if Lady Marienne was interested in giving real answers, unlike Myrddin.
“You’re talking about that ancient cult, right?” Keia asked, taking a seat opposite the woman. “The one Remy Crusoe belonged to? I thought that it was long dead.”
“Such is what Symon would like to pretend,” Lady Marienne said. “He cannot face the truth. The Church of Ashuram is stronger than ever, their power consolidating with Nialarix.”
Her head tilting, Keia asked, “Who?”
Mar said, “You’d know him as the Wild King. Quite the opposite of a king, though. Calls himself a liberator. In reality, he’s just another power-hungry warlord.”
Keia nodded and returned her attention to Marienne. “You’ve mentioned the Woman Taken by the Wind—you mean Lady Rhiannon? You really think she’s coming back?”
Lady Marienne grinned from ear to ear and leaned in. “My dear, she is already among us, waiting, learning, listening. She hears the Will of Gaea and the suffering of the people. Things will not be easy. For a thousand years, the enemy has created discord; it has gambled on humanity’s darkness, and never has it lost.”
Keia asked, “Is history repeating itself?”
“It always does,” Lady Marienne grimly replied. “Men teach themselves the history they want to learn and never learn what they need. Such fragile creatures, humans are! The truth shatters our very world. To protect what has been established—that will be the call to which they rally. To keep things the same. But the
Chapter is closing on this era. Things will never again be as they are now.”
The woman’s vague prophecies weren’t making any sense; so, Keia decided to change the subject. “Can you tell me anything about Greerwood and the north?”
Marienne began hesitantly, “Do not wander too far into darkness’s heart. You may not be able to come back. Greerwood is hell, but what lies beyond—the land of shadows is far worse.”
“I have to,” Keia insisted. “I can’t run from this forever. And I can’t let anyone else get hurt because of me.”
“Exactly what I thought you would say.” Lady Marienne laughed and then grew serious again. “The man you seek—he is trapped, a prisoner of his own existence—the ghost of a life unlived.”
“The entity who attacked Gladios?” Keia asked.
The lady shook her head. “That is something different entirely. These machinations will be brought to light, Keia.”
“And Myrddin?” Keia asked. “What about his machinations? Why did he steal the King’s Spellbook? If he tampered with the laws, the blood of Gladios is on his hands.”
Lady Marienne released a deep breath, then said, “Myrddin is not the man Symon would have you believe. He has no use for the book; this much, at least, I know.”
“How?”
Lady Marienne smiled. “He and I wrote it. He knows every spell within by heart. As for his plans for the book—he believed that Symon could no longer be trusted with it. He suspected Gaheris had the king’s permission to break the laws.”
Pressing on, Keia said, “So he doesn’t intend to overthrow King Symon? Or give the spellbook to—what was his name again?”
“Myrddin wishes to meet with Nialarix, though he doubts that he can be trusted with the spellbook. I told him the obvious truth—Nialarix is out for blood and only blood. That old fool must confirm it for himself, I suppose.”
“Confirm what?” Keia asked, annoyed. These ‘answers’ only left her with more questions. Marienne’s half-answers were worse than Myrddin’s non-answers. Her mind pulled in every direction. “So he has been conspiring with the Wild King?”
“I suppose that you could call it such. However, not all is as simple as it seems. He has his reasons—foolish as they may be—which I will leave for him to explain.”
Keia leaned in. Questions swirled about her mind, but one she wanted to ask above all others. “Do you know anything of Carter or Aliya? Are they alive, at least?”
The lady’s eyes glimmered with sadness. “I’m afraid I know nothing. They ventured into shadow-infested lands, and so are lost to me. I hope that they are also lost to the man you seek. No, I have been looking—but it is futile for me to seek them from here; only you can.”
Keia frowned. “I see.”
A chuckle escaped the lady’s lips. “You are frustrated—especially because you cannot get answers out of this old woman. Gaea shows us many things. It has not shown me the things it intends you to know. Other things, if I told you, would only make the truth harder to face than it already will be.”
“What truth?” Keia was drained by parsing out these vague statements. “Yo
u’ve spoken a lot without telling me anything. You really are Myrddin’s friend.”
Lady Marienne chuckled. “Dark secrets are not mine to keep. Secrets thrive in shadows, dear, and the shadows have been reaching for a thousand years. You will learn much about yourself and your family. Now! A most dangerous quest is ahead of you—it would be prudent to prepare for any scenario, unless you intend to turn back.”
Without hesitation, Keia blurted out, “I can’t turn back—not while Carter and Aliya are still out there.”
Lady Marienne chuckled. “I knew I couldn’t talk you out of it—worth a try, I suppose. Is there any supply you need?”
“No, I have plenty,” Keia said. “I really should be going. I wouldn’t be surprised if the king’s sent people after me by now. I suppose I’ll see you on my way back.”
Keia winced. If there is a way back for me.
“We may never see each other again!” Lady Marienne said. “But Gaea will make this clear the closer to the precipice we are brought. As for what awaits—be careful. Even if I were to tell you, you would refuse to understand. Please, be ready, young Keia Atlos. The world has yet to show you horrors.”
Keia nodded. Too much time had already been spent with a woman determined to confuse her further. There was no time for games.
“Thank you for your time,” Keia said politely. She then turned to Mar, who seemed lost in thought. “I’ll see you next time, Lord Mercer.”
He snapped to attention and stood. “Ah! But here we’ve gotten to the first question you asked of me.”
Keia was taken aback by his strange demeanor. “What?”
The Lord of Northstead declared, “You asked why I was here, and I intend now to tell you. As I mentioned when last we spoke, Myrddin asked me down to Genievon to watch over you. My duty hasn’t changed, even though your mission has.”
Keia shook her head. “No. Absolutely not. This is too dangerous! I can’t ask anyone else to do this with me.”
“You never asked me that. I’m asking you.” Mar held his hand over his heart. “Keia Atlos, would you accept my help? Though I doubt you’ll need it, I’m sure it would ease the minds of many to know you’ve someone with you.”
She thought for a moment. He’s right. I didn’t ask him.
“What about your job as Keeper of Secrets?” Keia asked.
He waved her concern aside, replying, “Merely a title. It means nothing to me.”
“You’ll probably be considered in league with Myrddin.”
The corner of his lips curved into a half-smile. “I am in league with Myrddin.”
Keia raised a single eyebrow. “You’d so openly admit your treason? Why are you helping me? Because I’m Myrddin’s pity project?”
“No, that’s not the reason,” Mar replied.
“Oh? Enlighten me.”
His eyes became distant. “I’ve lived a long time, Keia. Not as long as the wizard, of course—but long, nonetheless. I’ve watched as my family, one of the Great Houses of Gaddeaux, fell. Mother, father, my brothers, my sisters—I lost all the family I had. I spent so many years lost in anger—it took so much from me. I see that same anger in you. If I can help, in any way, I want to. No one should have to live with that.”
Keia frowned. “How do I know I can trust you?”
“You don’t. But you can.”
She turned away and twirled her hair. Finally, she rolled her eyes and sighed heavily. Mar smiled.
Keia pointed at him and said, “If you pull anything I don’t like, I’ll leave you behind. But I could use the help. And—it might be better not to go alone.”
“Of course. I’m all packed and ready to go.”
Keia turned to Lady Marienne once more and said, “Did you bring him here for this?”
She clapped her hands. “Magic brings many people together. Be safe on your travels, Keia Atlos. And remember—trust your instincts. Gaea is within you. It won’t lead you astray, no matter how far off the path you go.”
Keia nodded. Mar stood and followed her through a portal. The house disappeared from sight. The path to Greerwood was clear: only a month’s travel by foot, less by portal.
Keia thought on the woman’s words. The entity Aliya spoke of hadn’t committed the Gladios Horror, and Myrddin would meet Nialarix for some noble intention or another. Most captivating of all, Lady Rhiannon had returned. Mar silently stood by as she contemplated all this.
I feel bad for her, whoever she is. The world’s so fucked up. She’s got her work cut out for her.
“Ready?” she asked Mar.
Adjusting the strap of her leather pouch, Keia grumbled, “Never been more ready for anything.”
She cast a portal and stepped forth into the unknown.
—
“You can come out now,” Lady Marienne said. “She’s gone.”
A secret door opened, and Myrddin stepped through it. “I didn’t think she would arrive so soon. Forgive me, my lady. It appears she travels quickly.”
“There is nothing to be forgiven,” Marienne said. “Quite fiery, that one. I think you may be right—though I’m sure she would’ve loved to see you. Almost as much as she’d hate to admit that.”
Myrddin chuckled. “I think not. She would’ve tried to arrest me.”
“I hope your intentions are good,” Lady Marienne said. “I would hate to find out I lied to that poor girl on your behalf.”
“You didn’t. You’re positive the spellbook will be safe here?”
“It will—as would you if you stayed. How often have I been right? Nialarix, like Symon, is not to be trusted. He’s to be trusted less than Symon, even—you know of his crimes.”
“The world is full of those in whom trust should not be placed,” the wizard mused as he sat beside her.
“You would throw your life away so easily?” Lady Marienne insisted. “What of your promise to me? What of the day this madness would end?”
Myrddin’s eyes were fixed on the table. In a quiet voice, he said, “Madness has no end so long as Ashuram lives.”
“Yes—and Nialarix is allied with the Church of Ashuram. They’ve been preparing for this for a thousand years. You know what that poor girl’s walking into.”
Myrddin sighed, “I want Mar to keep watch over Keia precisely for that reason. I know who awaits her. I will not interfere unless it becomes necessary.”
Desperate to change his mind, she asked, “Then why meet with Nialarix at all? He will not side with the Woman Taken by the Wind. He will seek to control her, and if he cannot, he will try to destroy her. That much I have foreseen.”
“You know why.”
“Because of your former student. Because Nialarix believes—”
“He doesn’t believe it,” Myrddin mumbled. “He’s using her.”
Lady Marienne grabbed his hand with hers. “It wasn’t your fault. She made her choices. She is not your responsibility.”
“You say that.” He averted his gaze. “But I failed her.”
“You may have failed Twyla—but you haven’t failed Keia. There is still hope. Do not worry so much over what is lost that you lose all that is left. She’s too far gone.”
The wizard released a soft sigh, and his shoulders sank. “I need to see with my own eyes if that is true. Besides, think—if I were to convince her, she’d make an invaluable ally.”
She gave his hand a gentle squeeze. “You blame yourself for too much, Myrddin.”
His frown deepened. “Only for my own wrongs. I have too much to atone for—many failures over my years and not enough time to correct them.”
“You always were a hot mess.” Lady Marienne smiled. Myrddin’s face softened. He leaned in, and they shared a passionate kiss.
“Must you leave?” Lady Marienne whispered.
“I’m afraid so,” Myrddin said
, “but I will be back. I swear it.”
“Please,” Lady Marienne pulled him closer, “just a little longer.”
Myrddin could not refuse her. Wrapping his arms around her, he enjoyed the comfort of her warmth. When Myrddin made to leave, they kissed once more.
“I love you,” Myrddin said. “I will be back.”
“I love you, too,” Lady Marienne said. “I hope that I’m here when you return.”
“You will be,” Myrddin said. He cast a portal and fell through it.
Chapter 33
Legacy
Day 9 of the Season of Life, 1020 YAR
Within a day, Jisaazu and Ervane emerged from Capital Forest. To Jisaazu’s annoyance, her partner was fascinated with the Itheran ruins and interrupted the mission whenever they stumbled across some ancient rock. She fumed as he spouted off facts about long-dead civilizations. Every moment mattered.
Ervane studied a section of the wall while Jisaazu leaned against a rock, her nostrils flaring with each exaggerated breath.
“Why do you study those useless remains?” she asked.
“They’re far from useless! They tell us about the people who lived here hundreds of years ago.”
“Do they tell you anything about Keia’s whereabouts?” Jisaazu threw her arms into the air. “That’s our mission, after all!”
“I know,” Ervane admitted. “I just love history. Let’s get going.”
Finally, Jisaazu thought as they set out.
“Can I ask a question?” Ervane blurted out.
Jisaazu sighed. “I suppose you could. Doesn’t mean I’ll answer it.”
“You’re not from Gaddeaux, are you?”
“No.”
“Where are you from?”
Jisaazu saw no harm in answering. “My home didn’t have a name—if it did, I never knew it. I left when I was young.”
“Why did you leave?”
Annoyance rose like a burning sensation in her face. He was asking an awful lot of questions.
“My village was destroyed,” Jisaazu said coldly. “Everyone I knew died. I was the only survivor.”
