by BJ Hanlon
A horn blared in fitful bursts causing Edin to jump. It cut off after maybe five notes and a loud voice boomed from behind it. “Presenting Iashah and the foundlings.”
“Iashah?” Edin whispered.
“Quiet,” Le Fie said and began descending the stairs. They followed. Above them, painted on the dome was a depiction of a man in a white robe reaching out toward a giant seated on a throne.
“That’s the meeting of Vestor the Prophet and Losilin, the creator god.” Said Arianne.
“Vestor as in the god who founded the Vestion? He was real…”
Arianne nodded. “A philios.”
“I’ve never heard that…”
“Quiet,” Le Fie whispered. Or was it Iashah?
They stopped at the bottom, and Le Fie stepped up on a large stone slab behind a lectern.
Le Fie pressed an open palm to his chest, turned it palm up and pushed it out of his body as if it were a dinner plate.
“Late as usual. Some of our colleagues had other engagements that could not be missed.” It was the man in the center, his voice reverberating around the room, shaking like his giant jowls.
Le Fie bowed slightly, but it seemed stiff. A door slammed to the right. Quick footsteps and the flash of dark hair appeared in the periphery.
Edin saw it was the young man from the fountain. The laugher.
The man in the center was staring at Le Fie with dark nearly black eyes.
The First Among Equals, Edin assumed.
“I was told five.”
“Hmm…” he paused for a moment and looked past him. “Well, we have enough here to accept the foundlings.” He waived his hand in a slow circling motion as if to say get on with it.
Le Fie waived Flack up to the lectern. “I bring you Flack, son of Ashica. He is a mundane…”
“Yes, we know of Ashica’s boy. Your father has done many services for me in the past. My name is Pharont Otembo, I am the FAE, the First Among Equals.” The man stuck out his chest and raised his chin, actually, it was multiple chins.
Below, he could see the curvature of a giant stomach beneath Pharont’s yellow robe.
Pharont raised a hand out as if offering Flack something then swept it across the room. “Should you need anything, feel free to inquire. As you are a mundane and under the adult age, you will be placed in our Younger’s School.” He said Younger’s as if it were a name of the place and not just the age.
“We demand only that you try your best, learn and help with chores that all must partake in.”
Flack frowned but then bowed stiffer than Le Fie. “Thank you,” he croaked.
Pharont bowed his head only. More of a nod Edin thought.
“And the young lady, Arianne… she is a Gusoria. I regret I have no other information with which to announce her.”
Arianne squeezed Edin’s hand and stepped forward, pulling him to stand next to her.
“Master Otembo, First Among Equals.” Arianne dropped Edin’s hand and made the same sort of salute that Le Fie did. “I am honored that you have taken the time from your day to greet us.” She spoke with the cadence of a seasoned orator… another skill she probably learned when she wasn’t sewing doilies.
“You are most welcome Lady Arianne.” Pharont paused for a moment, glanced to his right. Edin saw the look and followed it. Far above, on the left side of the amphitheater and near an open passage, was a man cloaked in black. “Your manner is interesting. Are you from a noble line?”
Edin took her hand. Suddenly, he knew what she was going to do.
She didn’t know these people or what Le Fie told him about their power… about how this man would react. Edin felt a sharp pang in his stomach.
Arianne looked at him, she smiled and slowly pulled it away. “It will be okay,” she whispered before taking a step forward.
“Don’t…” but the words barely came over his tongue when she stepped up to the lectern.
“My name is Arianne Bestavienne. Only daughter of Alcor Bestavienne of the noble line by the same name.”
Shivers ran down his spine. Her tone was the same knowing, proud, and powerful one she’d used on him when they first met.
“I am heir to the kingdom of Bestoria.”
Someone gasped, another laughed, and a look of confusion came over Le Fie.
Pharont brought both of his hands onto the bench and clasped them together. His mouth which had dropped snapped shut causing large jowls to gyrate.
The man to Pharont’s side spoke first. “Lady Arianne… if that is your real name, please do not take us for fools. You certainly cannot be…”
“I am she. During the last weeks of the war, my father’s advisor, master magi Lorno, escorted me to Erastio’s Rise… also known as Eagle’s Keep.”
“You know of that place? It was said to be legend.”
“I do. I have stayed their on many occasions… a rather long one recently as it were… Lorno I assume cast the opeliniumica spell on me and me alone in order that I may survive the war.”
Pharont glanced toward the hooded man. The hood moved almost imperceptibly. But it was a nod. “That spell is known to us.”
“Erastio’s Rise is where Master Edin found me… shortly after I had awoken.”
“She reads Highborn and her accent is… different,” Le Fie interrupted.
Pharont’s dark eyes moved between the three of them. He cleared his throat, it took him a few moments.
“I am Mersett Bolisona,” the man sitting alone said. “I know of the spell. It is fascinating. If used someone needs to be sacrificed and the land around would wither and die…”
Edin pictured the mountains and the draugr. Vicilu. Was he the sacrifice?
“There is little life left in the Crady Mountains, where the keep was.” Arianne said.
Edin shifted remembering the Dematians.
“Was? Where the keep was? You mean to say it is no longer?”
Arianne nodded. “We came under assault when the Por Fen attacked; it has been destroyed. Edin and I barely escaped with our lives.”
“Iashah?”
“There was word of a mobilization some time back, men did march into the mountains,” Le Fie said. “They are harsh lands, nearly impenetrable.”
Suddenly Pharont was looking directly at Edin. “And Edin, son of the traitor Rihkar…” he paused letting the venom seep from his voice like an over salivated serpent. “We’ll get to you in a moment, how did you find this place?”
He swallowed, glanced at Arianne then back up at the men. He didn’t want to lie… at least much. These were the people he’d be stuck with for the rest of his life. “A map,” Edin said, “on the wall of a cavern in the Great Cliffs…”
There was a little conversation between Pharont and his right-hand man who was sitting to the left. The loner stared at them and the hooded figure at the back made no movement.
Edin swallowed.
Feet padded off to his right and he saw the young laugher walking behind the council’s bench. He stopped behind the FAE and his left-hand man, bent over and whispered into their ears.
Pharont’s eyes seemed to be moving around the room but not focusing on anything in particular.
“If it is true what you say… do you have any proof?” Mersett said. He was old and Edin could see the blue veins through nearly transparent skin. The white mustache was groomed and rose at the ends.
“I have the Blossom Stone and the Sun Stone. Two of the kingdom’s Ballast Stones.”
“They were left in your care?” Mersett said. “We were made to understand they were hidden by the king’s royal magi.”
“No one has found me in a thousand years. I’d say that is pretty well hidden,” Arianne said not looking at Edin. Was she implying that she had been in possession of the stones?
Le Fie glanced at Edin then started. “The prophecy states–”
“Quiet Iashah…” Pharont said. “Very well my lady. I will not pass judgment on your claim at this time. Know
ing the spell name is peculiar. I will offer you a place in the palace so that we can get to know you and find out if what you say is true.”
Arianne nodded and turned back toward Edin, a coy grin on her face as if saying ‘I told you, trust me.’
Pharont rang a bell and a servant came out with a tray and a few goblets. He rushed them up to the bench and held it out. The FAE, the man behind him, and the left hand man, each took one. None was offered to Mersett.
After a deep gulp Pharont said. “Now, I wish to hear from the boy.” His voice seemed to get stiffer.
Le Fie looked at Edin and he felt the shivers returning. He thought about the flask in his pocket, it was empty.
“This is Edin de Yaultan. Son of Rihkar Harlscot and Lady Laural de Yaultan. A Philios.” Edin heard a cough from Mersett. “He is a foundling, though it is more apt to say he found us. Edin–”
Pharont cleared his throat like a pig snorting. “I do not need a fanciful story from the son of that traitor.” He turned his eyes to Edin. They were cold and dark. Edin noticed the same in the younger man standing behind him.
“Edin, son of a mad man on your father’s side… and a traitorous house on your mother’s. If the lady behind you is to be believed, your family took part in the murder of hers. Are you aware of these transgressions?”
Edin’s eyes shot toward Le Fie for a second then back at Pharont. “I know nothing on either account. I have not seen my supposed father in at least ten years,” Edin said feeling Arianne’s eyes on him. “As for my maternal family, I am but a man of eighteen years. I was not around during the rebellion.”
“But your blood bares the responsibility of your ancestors, as all of ours do,” Pharont said and leaned to his right and then behind listening to words of the men. The younger man behind was clearly the First’s son.
“Your father abandoned our people, fled our lands, and ran into the arms of our enemies. Even his own family disowned him and by extension you. I decree that you are not welcomed in Delrot.”
Arianne gasped, Le Fie stepped forward.
“Master Otembo, please do not say what I believe you are going to say,” Mersett said. “I may be just the librarian and scholar on the council, but you cannot banish a boy without the full vote of the council.”
“We know not his loyalties. He could be a Por Fen spy.”
“I doubt that,” Le Fie said.
Pharont grew slightly red. “He is of traitorous blood…”
“The isles offer refuge to all magi fleeing the mundane world,” Mersett said in a cool and even tone. “Banishment may only be induced by the vote of the full council.”
“Then I call a vote.”
“For a boy who has come seeking refuge? He has committed no crimes. Why is it you persecute this boy?”
Edin grew red, the old man was defending him but still calling him a boy. He was a man, he didn’t need any of these people. He didn’t want to leave Arianne… but these were her people not his.
“If you wish, I will leave,” Edin said through gritted teeth. “I am no boy, nor am I my father. If you wish to wield your incredible girth over me, I will do nothing to stop you. I haven’t the strength.”
Pharont grew redder.
Edin stared directly into the man’s eyes, he was the FAE, the leader no matter what the old man said and Edin couldn’t stop him. But he wasn’t going to let them dishonor him any longer.
“You insolent little–”
“Men are given the right to speak here. You are not king, Pharont,” Mersett interrupted. “Everyone on this island can say what they wish… or have you forgotten about that?”
Edin noticed the man behind Pharont staring at Mersett with fury, like he’d just taken away his favorite toy.
Pharont’s son, at least that’s what Edin assumed of the laugher, he looked like a pompous little bully, leaned down, spoke into the fat man’s ear. A smile crossed the FAE’s face.
“Fine, as magnanimous as I am, I will not banish him. A boy such as him looks strong, sturdy like a pack horse.” He turned his attention to Edin. “You will work as a farmhand and live at the Reaches. Guards, please escort him home. By sunrise, you will report to Fior on the southern fields.”
“Magi do not work the fields,” Mersett said.
“We are all equal are we not?” Pharont grinned at Edin. “We all do our part. You will have safety, a roof over your head, and food in your belly. Is that understood?”
Edin clenched his jaw.
“Master Otembo… Edin and I are together. I wish that he stays with me,” Arianne started stepping next to him.
“If you wish to stay in the Reaches Tower, be my guest.” Pharont said and Arianne shut her mouth. “Otherwise my son Casitas will escort you to a guest chamber.”
The young man behind Pharont began moving around the side of the bench and toward the steps.
Edin turned to Arianne. “Where are the Reaches?” Edin asked though not looking at Le Fie.
“An outcropping of rock on Brackland. As far east on the isles as possible,” Le Fie answered.
“It’s probably better than some of the places we’ve stayed,” Edin said holding her hand.
“I want you with me…” Arianne said. “Who else will I have to make fun at?”
“Fun of,” Edin said smiling. “It’ll only be temporary I’m sure.” He leaned in and kissed her.
A throat cleared sounding only inches from Edin’s ear. He didn’t care, he pressed his lips more firmly to Arianne’s for a few more moments until another throat clearing and Arianne’s lips turned to a smile.
“You are very creepy,” Edin said looking at Casitas. The man reminded Edin a bit of Le Fie in the cheeks and nose. Dark hair, dark eyes but Edin guessed his look was one of fury as opposed to Le Fie’s probing one.
“We do not offer these displays in the agora. It is disrespectful.”
“I caught you in here boy,” Le Fie said. “Or don’t you remember?”
“Do not call me boy,” Casitas said, his face growing red like his father’s. “You will watch yourself.”
Le Fie jabbed a finger at Casitas. “If you wish to threaten me you better make sure you can back it up.”
Casitas glared at him before taking a deep breath. “I am sorry, cousin. I only wish to preserve the sanctity of the agora.” He turned toward Arianne, “Lady Bestavienne, I will show you to your chambers.”
Arianne looked back at Edin, they separated but still her hand was in his. She let go and nodded at Casitas.
The man put out his arm to escort her but she ignored it. “I can show you the city. There are all sorts of lovely shops where we can find you new clothes.”
Arianne rose up the steps they entered and disappeared out into the evening sun.
“She’ll be fine,” Le Fie said. “Come Flack, I’ll show you to the school.”
It wasn’t her Edin was worried about.
A moment later, a pair of armed guards appeared, they looked at Edin and one nodded for him to follow out to the right through a postern door. As soon as they exited they entered a wooded courtyard and Edin realized they were alone.
4
Separated and it feels so bad
Edin kept his hand on his hilt as they exited through a small gate east of the castle. They pressed through the city as it grew darker. Shops were shutting, men swept streets that already seemed perfectly clean. Edin wondered if he could eat from them. Probably not a good idea.
The guards kept him between them like a sandwich. Soon they came to a long and wide rope bridge. Edin swallowed as he held onto the right handhold.
Far below, he could hear crashing waves but couldn’t see the water in the darkness. Edin felt tense and looked back at the man behind him. He wasn’t even watching Edin, his eyes were off somewhere to the south.
As they crossed a large wagon carrying what looked like wheat passed them on the left with more than enough room. It rumbled heavily over the wooden slats and caused Edin to tigh
ten his grip.
After it passed, Edin pulled the flask from his tunic and tried to drink. Nothing.
Somehow, the bridge held and after they left it, they met a dirt road and the smell of livestock and farms. The guards kept a quick pace.
After all of the months of hiking, only two weeks of little movement made his legs tire quickly again. They passed cottages with large pens of cows, sheep and chickens. A small hamlet like any other he’d seen… except it was lit by torches that didn’t emit smoke or burn.
Voices poured out of the homes, some of laughter, others monotone and one man that was furious as to how overcooked his dinner was. Life in the country.
To the north, he could see a rising plain with large black shapes moving cautiously in the moonlight.
“What are those?” Edin asked.
Neither guard answered, but a lone moo came from that direction.
The road grew dark as they passed out of the hamlet. To the south he heard the water though it seemed distant and after a while, a wooden fence appeared before an open black gap.
It was a quiet hike, he’d had many of those but this one felt different. Almost like he was being led to the dungeons. The fact that he wasn’t bound and still carried Mirage was the only reason he knew he wasn’t arrested… at least yet.
Edin tried to take in the scene, the land. For the first time since early spring, he was safe… then he glanced back to the guards. Relatively safe.
The FAE clearly wasn’t a fan of Edin’s father, and Edin didn’t do himself any favors by losing his temper. It was a bad idea. He knew that. Grent or Horston would smack him just for thinking about insulting the man, let alone loosening his tongue. FAE, he thought… Fat Arse Egotist… Edin chuckled to himself drawing looks from the guards. After a few moments, he pulled out the flask again and shook it.
“Any place to get a refill?”
The guard behind him looked past Edin as if he were not there.
“What, were you told not to talk to me? I don’t have any diseases… I’m not going to drop dead with cat-cough.”
