“What?” The archmage leaned in closer.
“I’m not sure, but Bennett grew much more serious, began talking about consequences if the king wasn’t removed from power. A lot of it sounded like gibberish to me. His group stopped meeting at our mansion, perhaps due to my lack of enthusiasm. Two days later he left for the capital. A day after that he sent for Louis.”
“His change happened at the same time the Binder arrived,” the archmage said. “It can’t be a coincidence.”
Duchess Carmichael cocked her head. “Excuse me, did you say the Binder arrived? As in here in the kingdom?”
“Actually in the Old Empire,” Uncle Andy said. “But we have it on good authority that we’re his next stop. Bennett hopes to be in position to hand the kingdom over to him when he arrives. I mean to see that doesn’t happen.”
“So what do we do now?” Damien asked.
“We need to find out what the duke’s next move is,” Uncle Andy said. “Jennifer, would you ask Al Elan to scout out the castle?”
“No problem.” Jen left the room, closing the door behind her.
It felt like things were starting to turn their way. Damien hoped the trend continued.
Chapter Fifty-Seven
“How could she have escaped?” Duke Bennett Carmichael asked in his most controlled tone. The one that sounded reasonable but that let the listener know the wrong answer might mean their career at best and their life at worst.
Not that Nathanial looked terribly frightened. Standing across the desk from Bennett, his hands clasped behind his back, the most powerful sorcerer in service to the Binder looked back at him impassively. They had retired to Bennett’s study. Technically it was the king’s study, but that would be him soon enough.
“According to the sorcerers that survived the rescue, a handful of loyal guards held off our people just long enough for a squad of kingdom warlords to arrive and rescue her. Damien St. Cloud” —Nathanial’s mask of indifference cracked when he said that name— “provided sorcerous support, killing two of our own and maiming a third.”
“And where is my wife now?”
“I have no idea. No one had the courage to pursue them when they left Port Valcane.”
“Worthless cowards.” Bennett stood, went to the liquor cabinet and poured himself a stiff drink which he downed in a single gulp.
Nathanial wisely reserved comment. After his failure to defeat the St. Cloud boy he was in no position to criticize anyone. Bennett could handle that on his own.
“We’re going through with the wedding. Caroline is in hiding so she shouldn’t be an issue. We’ll claim she died and make it so later. Arrange for the invitations to go out today for a date three days out.”
“Not much time,” Nathanial said. “Most of the nobles won’t be able to get here.”
“We can send sorcerers for them. Anyone that refuses will be named a traitor to the new king.”
“Our master may not appreciate you breaking the rules directly. Not to mention those who don’t believe the king is really dead.”
“Our master will understand when I have a kingdom to offer him. As for those who doubt me, they can join Andrew in an early grave. Only in their case it will be a real grave.”
Nathanial finally relaxed a fraction. “Have you told the princess the good news?”
“No, and I don’t intend to until the day of the wedding. She complains enough as it is. No sense adding something else to the list.” Karrie wasn’t anywhere near as pliable and obedient as his current wife, but she was young and pretty enough to make up for it. With the right training she would make a fine wife. And if she didn’t in a year or two assassins might slip past the guards and pay her a visit.
Chapter Fifty-Eight
Black volcanic glass glittered in the morning sun. When Lady Shiv’s lieutenant had described the Obsidian Fortress as sitting in a wasteland he had been far too kind. Nothing lived on the blasted expanse of dark rock. It looked like a tiny chunk of Hell had been transplanted in the mortal realm. And Binder should know, he’d seen Hell more than once. He wanted to obliterate the place on principle, but he wouldn’t, at least not until he learned if Lady Shiv was in residence.
He wasn’t terribly optimistic given the lack of large ships at the island’s dock. He and his knights had slept at a fine inn last night in hopes of smoking out any assassins lurking in Shang-Zen, but they had failed. First thing in the morning they followed the directions provided by the terrified lieutenant to this island.
Had he made a mistake waiting until morning and given his quarry a chance to escape or had she never been here in the first place? If Binder had been on the run he would have remained on a ship and in constant motion. Harder to hit a moving target after all. It didn’t really matter one way or the other since Binder would find the woman eventually. The only question was how angry would he be when he finally caught up with her.
“Master.” One of his knights pointed at the fortress.
The ugly black monstrosity perfectly blended in with the terrain. He’d seldom seen such an intimidating building, with its jagged crenellations, jutting towers, and glowering main keep. The Obsidian Fortress looked like it should serve as a home for a demon lord not a mere mortal. Defenders were spilling out of the keep and rushing up on the walls.
There were a few sorcerers mixed in with the regular archers, but none powerful enough to threaten one of his knights, much less Binder himself. Having seen some of what Lady Shiv had at her disposal, he was more confused than ever about how his knight had fallen. Maybe she kept the most powerful of her servants at her side.
As he did in the city, he would give this group a chance to surrender before attacking. If they were too stupid to accept his generosity it would be a waste, but he was getting used to throwing away lives.
“Keep your distance,” Binder said to his knights.
He felt their concern, but ignored it.
Binder descended, his wings spread as far as they could go, a hazy gray aura surrounding him. The human defenders’ fear washed over him. He didn’t despise them for it. Fearing one who could bring you instant death was wise.
Neither arrow nor soul force blast targeted him. Binder stopped and hovered level with the top of the wall. One of the sorcerers hesitantly moved closer. “Um, can I help you, sir?”
“I seek Lady Shiv. I am the Binder in Chains, your new emperor. It is necessary for me to ensure the loyalty of all those I rule. She is the final satrap to defy me. Is she here?”
“No, sir. Our mistress left two nights ago sailing north. If she had a destination in mind, she didn’t share it with us.”
Binder nodded, pleased that the lieutenant in Shang-Zen hadn’t betrayed him. Keeping him alive hadn’t been a mistake after all.
“Are you in charge of this fortification?” Binder asked.
“I am,” the sorcerer said.
All around him the other guards relaxed and lowered their weapons. Fear still coursed through them, but they had it under control now. They must have been experienced soldiers to master it so quickly.
“If you will swear allegiance to me, I will allow you to retain command of this outpost in my name.”
The sorcerer hesitated, clearly torn between his desire to live and his loyalty to his mistress. That inclination to loyalty was a good sign. If he had abandoned Lady Shiv without a second thought, Binder would have been reluctant to accept his service.
“You need not fear reprisal from Lady Shiv,” Binder said. “I will either bring her into the fold or send her to the bottom of the ocean. Either way, she will be no threat to you.”
“I accept, sir. What happens now?”
“I haven’t the time to administer a proper oath,” Binder said. “Instead I will grant you a tiny fraction of my power, thus linking us and assuring you can’t betray me. Your abilities will also be marginally enhanced. When I have dealt with your former mistress, I will summon you through our link to the capital to swear your prope
r oath to the throne. Now hold still.”
A mist of gray energy swirled out of Binder and into the sorcerer. The human went rigid, but didn’t cry out. As their soul forces intertwined, Binder learned a great deal about this human. His strength, determination, and intelligence were all above average for his kind. His name was Zan and he was more than a little nervous about what was happening to his body. The transference could be difficult, but he handled it well.
When he finished Binder asked, “How do you feel?”
“Good. Better than I ever have,” Zan said. “Do you have orders for us, Master?”
“Keep doing what you’ve been doing. If Lady Shiv shows up contact me through the link.”
Zan bowed. “As you command.”
Binder rejoined his knights. “Missed her again. She’s sailing north and has a two-day head start. Let’s move.”
Chapter Fifty-Nine
Jen crouched behind a towering maple and watched the road. Thanks to Al Elan’s spying, they knew all about the upcoming wedding and the archmage intended to take full advantage. The duchess was if anything even more vengeful. Not that Jen blamed her after the assassination attempt. They had a plan, now they needed some disguises and a proper carriage.
When Duchess Carmichael mentioned Lady Lanteen had lost her husband two days ago it was too perfect an opportunity to waste. The lady and her daughter would still be in full mourning, including wearing dark veils.
Three days had passed since they learned of the upcoming wedding and according to Damien and his spy bug, Lady Lanteen’s carriage was on its way. She glanced across the road and caught Edward’s eye. Her second nodded once. Everyone was ready on his side.
They needed to do this just right to avoid bloodshed. The Lanteen family wasn’t on any of their lists, so it seemed fair to assume they weren’t involved with the Binder cult, but were putting in an appearance to stay on the duke’s good side, assuming he had a good side. For the last few days Jen had had her doubts.
Her enhanced hearing picked up the approaching clatter of a carriage and team of horses. The target was half a mile out and coming quick.
Talon soundlessly joined her at the side of the road. “Think this will work?”
“Maybe. Assuming everyone does their part.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
“It means I don’t want any bodies to clean up. We take the driver and any guards clean. Understand?”
“I told you already, I got it.” Talon actually sounded pained giving her a twinge of guilt. “You should have a little more faith.”
“I have total faith in you during a fight, but you like killing a little too much sometimes. These aren’t enemies, just unlucky bystanders.” Jen tensed. The carriage was right around the bend. “Here they come.”
A few seconds later the carriage appeared, pulled by four black horses. A driver and guard armed with a crossbow sat on the bench while two more rode on the rear. According to her brother, none of them were warlords.
When the lead horse was ten feet away, Talon and Alec leapt onto the roof of the carriage.
Talon hurled the driver at Jen and Alec flung the guard at Edward.
Jen caught the driver, wrapped her arm around his neck and squeezed, cutting off the flow of blood. He was out in seconds.
She leaned him up against the maple and turned to deal with the rear guards.
Rhys got to them first. A right cross followed by an uppercut put them down hard. Talon stopped the horses and Jen went to the right-side door.
It opened before she reached it and a woman dressed all in black hopped down. “Do you know who you’re attacking? I’ll have you know I’m a personal friend of the future king and my daughter knows the princess. You’ll be hung before the week is out!”
It was an impressive speech. Of course if Jen had been an actual bandit, she would have killed the noblewoman by now so there wouldn’t be any witnesses.
“Lady Lanteen, I apologize for interrupting your journey, but the Crown has need of your carriage and clothes,” Jen said.
“The crown?” Confusion replaced anger in the lady’s voice. “Identify yourself.”
“Jennifer St. Cloud, ma’am. You’ll be pleased to know the true king is alive and well and planning his return to power. I won’t mention your close relationship to Duke Carmichael.”
Jen couldn’t see much of her face, but from the way Lady Lanteen’s heart rate picked up she understood the threat clearly.
“Please, I only met the duke once years ago. I only mentioned him because I thought… Is Andrew really still alive? Everyone believes he was murdered by the archmage.”
“He really is and he’s eager to get his daughter back. You have a chance to be an important part of that.”
“What must I do?”
“Take your clothes off.”
Chapter Sixty
Lidia adjusted her veil and glanced out the carriage window. Considering they only had three days to prepare, the people of the capital had made an excellent effort at decorating. White paper chains dangled from balconies. Flowers dotted every street corner and the people were all dressed in their finest clothes.
She grimaced and tugged at the ill-fitting black dress she’d appropriated from Lady Lanteen’s daughter. The damn thing was tight where it should be loose and loose where it should be tight. At least it covered her from head to toe. Combined with the veil, no one would recognize her as archmage, especially since she’d dissipated her soul force. Unless a sorcerer got within arm’s length and knew what he was looking for, no would recognize her as a sorcerer.
Across from her, Duchess Carmichael clenched and relaxed her fists, probably imagining wringing her husband’s neck. Hopefully just ruining his wedding would be enough since they weren’t going to have much time once she revealed herself.
Rhys rapped on the roof of the carriage to let her know they were close to the castle. Jennifer’s squad had taken over for the regular guards. Lidia would have liked to bring Jennifer along as well, but everyone knew her and would be alert for a replay of her earlier rescue attempt. She hadn’t liked it, but accepted her role as backup outside the city. If her help became necessary, then the plan had failed badly.
The carriage rattled to a stop and the door opened. The young one, Lidia forgot his name, helped them down. When she had finished brushing the dust off her dress Edward eased over beside her. “We’ll be in position when you’re ready.”
She nodded at his unnecessary reassurance. All around them other carriages were unloading while nobles from distant parts of the kingdom arrived via sorcerous transport. The Duke’s sorcerers had been running themselves ragged bringing in the high and mighty. Hopefully they’d be too worn out to put up much of a fight.
A heavyset matron dressed in red from head to foot hurried over, her hands held out. Lidia grimaced behind the veil, before forcing herself to accept the greeting.
The woman hugged the duchess then Lidia. “I’m so sorry to hear about Donal. Are you two holding up alright?”
“We’re managing,” the duchess said. “Thank you.”
The woman led them toward the castle doors chattering on about the suddenness of the wedding, happily ignorant of the fact that she was talking to the groom’s actual wife.
Inside, the throne room had been redone in white and yellow. Flowers of various types, mainly lilies, covered everything. Warlords were positioned at regular intervals. They did a fair job of blending in, but to Lidia’s trained eye they were obvious. Mercifully, their well-meaning companion spotted someone else she knew and scurried off to pester the newcomer.
The duchess blew out a sigh. “I thought she’d never leave. Events like this are why I seldom leave Port Valcane.”
Lidia nodded, her gaze never ceasing the search for threats. Andrew hated these sorts of formal occasions so she seldom had to put up with the vacuous nobles that seemed drawn to them like rats to a fresh corpse. Today and today only she was counting on them b
eing here. The nobles’ panic would help cover their escape.
An hour later the last of the guests arrived and they found seats. Lidia and the duchess settled on the aisle for a hopefully quick getaway. Duke Carmichael emerged from one of the rear entrances, Nathanial beside him. They both wore formal robes of crimson. He strode to a spot directly in front of the throne marked by a red carpet.
The duchess stiffened beside her.
“Steady.” Lidia pitched her voice low. “Don’t do anything to draw attention until your cue.”
“Look at the smug bastard. So bloody sure of himself. I’d like to slap him silly.”
Lidia would have happily done far worse than that, but not until Karrie was safe. A third man dressed in white robes and carrying a set of manacles of all things joined the pair in front of the throne.
“Do you know the man in white?” Lidia asked.
“Fallon. He fancies himself a priest of the Binder. Claims to have memorized everything ever written about the archangel. The man’s a bore. Never talks about anything but religion.”
A hush fell over the gathering when Karrie and her mother emerged from a second door. Both women wore blue gowns and Karrie carried a bouquet of daisies. From her expression Lidia guessed she’d like to shove them down her future husband’s throat.
“She’s certainly beautiful,” the duchess muttered.
Lidia couldn’t disagree. Aside from the scowl, Karrie made a lovely bride. As they moved closer, Queen Audra kept a tight grip on her daughter’s elbow, no doubt to keep her from running.
When princess and duke stood side by side, the so-called priest began droning on about marriage and service to the Binder. He went on in that vein for far too long before asking, “As these two people begin their new life together, does anyone have a reason they shouldn’t wed?”
On Blackened Wings Page 21
