“That’s one,” I whispered in her ear as she cried in utter anguish. “We have a long way to go before we’re through the full list of your crimes.”
The wet crack of breaking bones and the dull pop of her joints being snapped echoed down the hallway outside Aimee’s cell for nearly two hours before I finished with her. While I hadn’t even come close to completing the litany of her crimes, I’d had enough. I thought that my own thirst for justice and revenge was unquenchable, but I discovered that was not the case. Even for me, there came a point where I finally reached my limit. While my shadows urged me on, I knew that going any further would pull me somewhere I didn’t want to go. The shadows on the other side of that line were far different than the ones I was comfortable with; they were Aimee’s shadows, the darkness where she and the other wicked Deathless dwelled. Nothing, not even my pursuit of justice, would make me venture into those dark corners.
But that didn’t mean that I was going to let any of these pieces of shit off easy. I might have found my own limit for inflicting pain, but I was willing to push right up against that boundary with each and every one of them. None of them would escape the full measure of justice they were due.
Emilda hurried down the hallway when I signaled for her to put an end to Aimee’s pitiful existence, apparently eager to do her part in extinguishing the life of the vile Deathless. Rather than let her lie where she was, I dragged Aimee onto the floor until her body lay atop the same foul stain that Drogan left on the rough stone, and she cried out in fresh torment as her broken bones were jostled with every movement. When she was in place, I unlocked her shackles and tossed them aside; they were no longer needed to restrain her, and I didn’t want to risk them being damaged by the corruption of the links—they might very well be needed again when we captured the other Deathless. I thought Emilda might be taken aback by the sight of Aimee’s broken body, but she only nodded in satisfaction as she took in the brutal contortions of her shattered form.
Wordlessly, Emilda began the incantation that would sever the connection between the links around Aimee’s neck and her unseen Mistress. Undoubtedly, whoever held that leash would be aware that their magic had been defeated, and that Aimee’s eternal life had been ended. I only hoped to be sending that message once again before too long.
When Emilda finished her magic, the dark metal pulsed, and black tendrils surged into Aimee’s body as the links were reduced to mere ashes. Just like before, the vile energy of the collar liquified her flesh, reducing Aimee to a formless pile of dark muck in a matter of seconds. The putrid stink of corruption began to fill the air, and Emilda and I retreated back into the hallway to escape the foul odor.
“Her equipment is in the next cell,” I gestured to the door down the hall. “I’m going to go collect it.”
Emilda followed me as I retrieved the gear, and since I had her there, I decided to make use of her talents.
“I was able to identify the pack and dagger,” I said as I stuffed the blade in one of The Forest Cloak’s pockets. “See if you can figure out the properties of the other two.”
Emilda took a moment to examine each piece of equipment before handing them over to me. When she did, I examined the robes and then the staff.
Inferno Garb – These robes increase the wearer’s proficiency with both Fire and Air magic by 30%. This item will become Soul Bound to its rightful owner.
Staff of Aura – This staff boosts its wielder’s Aura pool by 20%. This item will become Soul Bound to its rightful owner.
I immediately knew just what I’d do with these very powerful items. Rather than serve the evil purposes of the Deathless, I would use them to reward my own people’s loyalty, turning their powers against the Dark Lands in the process. With a broad grin on my face, I pocketed the magical gear and slung the pack over my shoulder as we left the dark cell behind.
Once I rejoined my guards, I sent Rhia off to deliver the pack to Khorim. It would be a most useful item for one of his scouts, and I trusted him to see it put to good use. Next, I returned to Aaden’s workshop, allowing Emilda to retrieve anything she’d left there while I presented the powerful staff to the Evoker.
“You’ve done well for me, Aaden,” I complimented him as I handed the weapon over. “Service such as yours deserves to be rewarded.”
After a quick glance at the staff, Aaden thanked me profusely for the generous gift I’d bestowed upon him, promising all the while to continue his research into other matters that might still benefit our efforts. Hearing his vow, Emilda offered her own commitment as well.
“I know that we were unable to discover a way around the links, Empress,” she spoke tentatively. “But I may still be of service if you would allow me to continue working with Aaden.”
Something in the way she looked at me spoke of Emilda’s deep need to contribute to the fight against the Dark Lands, and more specifically, the Deathless who served the Mistress of that accursed region. With seemingly nothing to lose, I nodded my assent before leaving the two to resume their work once more.
Traveling back upstairs again, I headed for the Imperial Barracks, where my guardians spent most of their time, hoping that the one I was looking for would be there. Fortunately, Eryn, the halfling Evoker I sought out was playing some sort of card game with a few of the other guards, and I was able to present the Inferno Garb to her as they looked on.
“You are the most senior Evoker among my protectors, Eryn,” I reminded her as I handed over the deep red robes. “The Deathless we captured has no more use for these, but I believe that they’ll serve you well.”
Eryn took hold of the robes with great reverence, clearly recognizing their power as she did so. The boon they offered was no small thing and would provide her with a great deal more power than she already had. Although her service had more than earned the reward I’d given her, I also had more selfish goals in mind. As a frequent member of my guard detail, Eryn not only protected me but also Líann on many occasions. Should there ever be an attack against us, the powers of the Inferno Garb would be on our side.
After leaving the Barracks, I began searching for Líann. While I’d given her a beautiful pair of Khelduin daggers, the Defender’s Spike was a very definite upgrade from those unenchanted blades, and I wanted to give it to her as soon as possible. But I found no trace of her in our chambers, and Talína wasn’t able to tell me where she’d gone either.
I chased rumors and whispers of where she’d been for a while, seeming to have just missed her on several occasions. But after the first few near misses, I realized what she was up to. Líann’s relative freedom allowed her to do something I’d been unable to do for some time—she was making the rounds of my Realm, visiting my people as I used to do to ensure that all was well with them. I’d told her how much I missed that simple chore and the connection that it had provided with my people. Apparently, she’d taken up the mantle for me, but done so without letting me know.
Once I realized what she was up to, it was easy for me to predict her next step, so I waited for Líann to finish speaking with a rancher before ambushing her along the road.
“Nice day for a walk,” I called to Líann as she and her own group of guards came around a bend in the path.
Líann’s step faltered as she caught sight of me, and I couldn’t miss the guilty expression that crossed her face, though she covered it quickly as she approached.
“Um… Hi?” She took my hand awkwardly as our two groups merged together.
“How long have you been doing this?” I replied.
“Oh, just a few days,” she hesitated. “Ever since you let me stay with you.”
“What have you found out?”
“Your people are very happy, Dreya,” she spoke more confidently. “Even with all that’s happened and war looming over us, they have tremendous faith in you.”
“And how do they feel about you, Líann?”
“I don’t know,” she hesitated once more. “I’m only trying to make sure things are goi
ng well—to head off any problems before they reach you.”
Rhia had been with Líann’s detail that day, and for once, I was happy to have the free-speaking guardian at my disposal. With a knowing glance in her direction, Rhia gave me a more complete understanding of how things had gone.
“They love her,” Rhia gushed. “Everyone knows how busy you are, Empress, so they understand why you can’t visit like you used to—but Queen Líann has been more than making up for it. She’s stopped at nearly every farm and ranch in the entire valley these past few days, and truly shown an interest in what’s happening, just like you did when you made the rounds.”
“I’m not a queen anymore,” Líann protested meekly.
“Maybe not in Íforn,” Rhia responded with conviction. “But you are here.”
Líann had relinquished her own throne to be with me, conceding the power she’d literally been born to wield for the sake of our love. It had been no easy thing for her to give up the only life she’d ever known, but Rhia’s heartfelt words were no hollow thing—Líann and I both felt the truth of them. For her, she’d regained the status she’d relinquished, but for me, Rhia’s expression told me all I’d needed to know about how my people would react to our coming union, and it was everything I’d hoped for.
“Go on, finish your tour,” I kissed Líann’s forehead as bid her farewell. “I’ll see you later.”
“Your majesty,” I added in a low whisper before setting off back towards the Palace.
I was halfway back when I realized that I’d forgotten to give Líann the Defender’s Spike. I’d lost sight of my entire purpose for tracking her down once I’d discovered what she’d been up to. Oh well, I smiled to myself, it could wait until I saw her again that evening. Besides, I had something even better to do; something I’d decided to commit myself to after hearing what Rhia had told us.
I left my guards outside as I ventured into Birt’s shop. Wenda was busily helping him put away some fabric, but the pair hurried over to greet me the moment I stepped inside.
“Empress!” Birt declared excitedly. “It’s so good to see you again. What can we do for you?”
“It’s good to see both of you as well,” I replied, genuinely pleased to be in their company. “I need a pair of gowns made.”
“Certainly!” Birt replied. “What’s the occasion?”
“There’s going to be a wedding,” I smiled broadly.
“Oh, that’s lovely,” Wenda exclaimed. “Who’s getting married?”
“Líann,” I couldn’t help but drag things out a little longer.
Word of her coming to live with me had spread quickly, along with the rumors of our impending union. Birt and Wenda had obviously heard those whispers, and their eyes flew open as they realized the full meaning behind what I’d said. I knew very little about the traditions of this world, so after he got over his surprise, Birt helped guide me through the process of selecting appropriate outfits. They weren’t the stark white that the dead man’s memories recalled for such occasions and seemed to suit the two of us much better than that. Although I had no firm date in mind, Birt promised to have the dresses ready for me as quickly as possible, and with his usual discretion since I had yet to inform Líann of what I’d done.
I actually had decided on a date, sort of, but didn’t know when it would come. My idea was to have our wedding shortly before we marched off to war, as a celebration prior to beginning the difficult campaign. I admit that part of my motivation was due to my regret over letting Tási go before I’d been able to summon the courage to marry her, and I didn’t want to repeat that same foolish mistake. So, I headed straight for the First Marshal’s offices after leaving Birt’s shop to see how our preparations were coming along.
Evans’ brow arched as I entered his office, obviously curious about why I’d come to see him. We had regular meetings for routine matters, so my visit was clearly not for some trivial purpose.
“Nothing ominous, I assure you,” I didn’t bother taking a seat as I spoke to him. “I just need to know if you have a firm date for our departure.”
“Well,” Evans replied thoughtfully. “Our ranks are full, and the training is going well—I should say that they’ll be ready to march in six weeks’ time.”
Based on our previous discussions, that was exactly what I’d expected him to say. I only hoped that would allow me enough time to plan a royal wedding.
“Thanks,” I turned to leave as I spoke. “That’s all I needed to know.”
Judging by the perplexed expression on the First Marshal’s face, the single question I’d asked obviously caused him some confusion. The timeframe he’d given me was already well-known, and my inexplicable need to confirm it with him must have seemed quite odd. Perhaps once the invitations went out, he might understand.
Shit—there was an awful lot of planning that needed to be taken care of if I actually wanted this to happen in the relatively short amount of time there was left to me. Fortunately, I realized that I had an invaluable asset to help me with that burden.
Talína was looking over some reports when I entered the offices she shared with my three other secretaries. As I glanced around furtively, Rhone and Alton were at another desk conferring over some document, while Sofi was scribbling a few entries into a ledger on her desk. With a subtle gesture, I motioned for Talína to follow me into the antechamber to my rooms and then dismissed the guards as soon as we were seated inside.
“I need your help, Lína,” I sighed as I contemplated the enormity of the task ahead of me.
“What is it, Empress?” She inquired when I hesitated.
“Have you ever planned a wedding before?”
“Not like this,” she responded, clearly recalling the meeting I’d called where I’d announced my intentions.
“Can you help me with it?” I shamelessly pled with her.
“No. I won’t help you,” she smiled. “It’s your wedding too. Just tell me the date you have in mind, and I’ll take care of everything.”
“Five weeks from now, but I haven’t told her yet,” I replied numbly, shocked by the burden she’d lifted from my shoulders.
“Hmmm,” she pondered. “That’s not long enough to extend invitations to all your vassals. Better we keep this a local affair then, rather than upset anyone. I’ll see that proper announcements are sent out, however. Those who receive them in time may come anyway, but the rest will not be offended.”
With a quick curtsy that was completely unnecessary, Talína limped away to begin the daunting task she’d volunteered to undertake on my behalf. It was only after she’d left that I suddenly realized the entire affair was completely out of my control—Birt was designing a pair of gowns for us that I only had the vaguest impressions of, while Talína had taken over the planning without providing me the slightest glimmer of her intentions. Somehow, the prospect of that unnerved me even more than the thoughts of the invasion I’d be undertaking just a week after our marriage.
Did I actually just do that? I wondered, suddenly uneasy with the events I’d set in motion.
It was an unproductive thought, however, and reeked of the uncertainty that I’d come to regret so much—uncertainty that had already cost me a great deal. I immediately discarded the musing, recognizing the hesitancy of my human origins that were hidden inside it. I was a Sintári now, and there was no need for any such doubts; my Táriel and I needed each other—we belonged together, and I refused to deny that fact any longer.
Although several hours had passed, I hadn’t moved from the chair I sat in when Líann entered the room. Her arrival roused me from the endless thoughts that had been running through my mind, but seeing her brought a smile to my lips. While I trusted Talína to hold my secret as long as she could, sooner or later, her preparations would become too obvious to hide—not that I intended to keep Líann in the dark for quite that long.
“Come, sit with me,” I motioned to the chair beside me.
“You’re up to somet
hing,” Líann approached cautiously; she knew me too well.
“I am,” I acknowledged openly. “But you’ll like it.”
Still watching me closely, Líann sat down, and I took her hand in mine as I spoke to her once more.
“It’s time to make your title official, my Queen,” I toyed with the Khelduin band around her finger meaningfully. “The Army will be heading off to war in six weeks, but we will be married in only five.”
Líann stared at her ring as I held onto her hand. I could feel the overwhelming emotions that were flooding through her veins as she sat next to me, silently absorbing what I’d said. Her whole life she’d experienced haunting visions of the powerful person she’d been destined to be with, and as she heard me tell her that we’d be taking the final step on her long journey, Líann leaned into me and rested her head on my shoulder.
“It was worth it,” she whispered as she wrapped her arms around me. “It was all worth it.”
Considering the many decades of isolation she’d endured, both self-imposed and otherwise, Líann’s declaration was quite humbling. My own struggles, as difficult as they’d been, had lasted only a fraction of the time she’d been waiting for me. Still, I found myself in agreement—the love I had for Líann made everything I’d endured seem well worth the effort.
After a few moments, I took Líann by the hand and lifted her up from her chair. As I led her back to our rooms, I let Bane know not to expect us that night. My Táriel and I would be spending this evening alone.
9
I’d thought Líann and I would have at least a few days to enjoy the anticipation of our upcoming wedding, but by the next afternoon, word of it had spread like wildfire throughout the entire Imperial District. Everywhere we went, it was all people wanted to talk about with us, and I counted myself lucky to have broken the news to our Tári that morning. I didn’t even want to consider Venna’s wrath, had she learned of it from anyone else.
Despite the excitement, Talína was true to her word and didn’t come to me with a single detail. Over the intervening weeks, she handled everything for us, even rebuffing both Líann and Thelmé’s attempts to ‘aid’ her. Both were quite perturbed to be shut out of the planning so completely, but I only shrugged my shoulders when they complained to me—I’d handed over the entire affair to Lína, I explained, it was hers to manage however she saw fit.
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