by Lisa Cassidy
“How is there enough drinking water to support such a massive city?” Finn asked.
“Really? That’s your first question after seeing all…that!” Jayn lifted her eyebrows at him.
Finn gave a sheepish shrug. “I’m curious.”
Tarrick barely smothered a smile. “Underground lakes,” he said. “They’re scattered around the coastline of Zandia. Most of our towns were built along the coast for that reason, and of course for the ease of access to shipping.”
“I’ve never seen anything like it,” Alyx said in awe. He’d left all this to come with her to Alistriem? The thought humbled her.
“There’s the emperor’s palace.” Tarrick pointed.
In the middle of all the bright chaos, situated on a section of raised ground, was a building surrounded on all four sides by high sandstone walls mounted with steel spikes. Her mind boggled at the sheer size of it. At least three miles long, and two wide, the palace looked like a small city unto itself.
Green gardens—astonishing for a desert city—littered the interior of the palace grounds, interspersed between tall buildings, the lowest of which had to be at least seven stories high.
“What does he need all that space for?” Tari asked.
“It looks like they have an entire barracks in there,” Adahn said thoughtfully. “Look, where the soldiers are drilling? But that only takes up a small part of the overall size.”
Tarrick grinned at their astonished faces. “See that whole eastern third, the buildings separated by a garden running the length of the walls? That’s the emperor’s harem. No man is allowed inside those walls except for the emperor himself. That wing is heavily guarded by the Leopards.”
“How many wives does he have?” Jayn asked incredulously.
“Last I knew, he had twenty wives and at least double that number of concubines.”
“Busy man,” Adahn said, straight-faced. Finn snorted, then the rest of them burst into laughter.
“We should keep moving,” Rothai interrupted the chuckles. Reluctantly, they tore their eyes from the wonderful sight below them and urged their horses on.
“Where in the city does your family live?” Alyx asked Tarrick.
He looked pleased she’d asked. “The Tylender home is in the sea quarter—you might have seen the cluster of bigger houses down by the water? Both of my brothers live in the Leopards’ barracks inside the palace though.”
“Your brothers are Leopards?” Jayn asked.
“Yes, they’re both mage-trained and Leopard trained,” Tarrick said. “They used to serve as bodyguards to the eldest prince, who was a mage of the higher order. When he disappeared, they became the strongest warrior mages serving the emperor.”
“How many warrior mages does the emperor have at his disposal?” Alyx asked in interest.
“Only about twenty or so. Most Zandian mages join the council after graduating DarkSkull. The emperor likes having a ceremonial mage guard, but the Leopards are so well-trained and skilful, there’s really no need for so many mage warriors.”
The city was as bustling and crowded as Alistriem, but on a much grander scale. Vendors shouted their wares over and above each other, their cries blending with dogs barking, chickens squawking, and the general chatter of the populace. Overlaying all of it was the enticing scent of strange spices Alyx had never encountered before.
Their group got a few curious glances. They stood out with their fair skin and lighter hair, and the black robes rolled up behind their saddles marked them instantly as mages.
A wide square sat before the main gates to the palace, a beautifully carved stone statue of a leaping leopard at its centre. Water fountained from the top of the statue and splashed into a pool surrounding it. People crowded around the sparkling water, resting in the shade from the hot glare of the sun.
Market stalls lined the edges of the square, their awnings reflecting all the colours of the rainbow, selling goods ranging from caged ferrets to fresh fruit. Birds fluttered amongst the bustle, picking up fallen crumbs of food and screeching loudly whenever they encountered competition for the scraps. Alyx drank it in with delight—she’d never been anywhere so vibrant before.
“Those are the Leopards,” Tarrick murmured, pointing to six guards standing in a perfectly straight line before the palace gates. “Let’s hope my messages to my brothers were received and they have warned the palace of our arrival.”
She eyed them curiously. All men, they wore a black wrap around their waists that hung to their knees, trimmed in gold thread, and that was all. Curved sabres hung at their belts, and their black hair was long, plaited neatly and falling almost to their hips. Their gazes were hard, steady and unblinking. In the full minute she watched them, none visibly moved, although she got the distinct impression those sharp gazes missed nothing.
“It’s against the law for any Zandian male but the Leopards to wear their hair long and braided in such a way,” Tarrick explained. “It’s a mark of honour.”
“So no female Leopards then?” Alyx lifted an eyebrow.
Tarrick cleared his throat, glancing away sheepishly. “No. There’s a law against that, too.”
“What if your brothers didn’t receive your messages?” Jayn asked.
“Then we won’t be getting anywhere near the inside of that palace.”
One of the Leopards stepped forward to intercept them once it became obvious Alyx’s party was making for the gates. He moved with an easy grace that brought to mind her Taliath brother and father. She refused to let herself think about Dashan.
“I am Mage Warrior Tarrick Tylender.” Tarrick bowed his head politely. “I travel with Magor-lier Alyx Egalion. We are here to see the emperor.”
The soldier’s hard expression softened marginally. “Mage Tylender, we have been informed of your arrival. Come through, and I will send a runner to alert the emperor’s aide.”
Tarrick’s shoulders relaxed at their words. Two Leopards moved gracefully to open the gates. The last horse was barely through before they were swung shut, immediately cutting out most of the noise of the city.
A circular courtyard faced them—it was easily three times the size of the one at the palace back in Alistriem. A tranquil pond sat in its centre, white lilies floating on the surface. Most of the yard was walled in, but greenery was visible beyond.
For a moment they sat there in the sudden quiet, alone in the massive space. But then, as if timed to perfection, several young boys came padding through a nearby gate, surrounding them and offering to take the horses. Despite their youth, they handled the highly-strung mage mounts with casual skill.
A servant wearing flowing white robes appeared to greet them, speaking flawlessly in the language shared by Tregaya and Rionn. “Welcome to Sandira. Please, follow me.”
Tarrick didn’t hesitate, and the rest fell in behind him. Alyx relished the coolness as they followed the servant into a high-ceilinged reception hall. A long walk followed, during which she caught glimpses of gardens, open-aired hallways and other sprawling buildings. The sandstone walls gleamed in the afternoon sun, the dry heat of the day tangible in the sluggish breeze that flowed through the halls. By the time they reached their destination, she was thoroughly disoriented.
Their servant guide came to a halt in a wide hallway with closed doors to the left and right. The hall ended in thick sandstone. “This wing has been set aside for your stay, Magor-lier, Mage Tylender. The servants who have access to the area have been thoroughly vetted by the Leopards and there will be a guard set at every possible entrance throughout your stay. The emperor wishes you to feel safe here.”
“Your hospitality is appreciated. Nevertheless, we would appreciate the chance to speak with the Leopard captain in charge of the guard rotation,” Tarrick said politely, speaking slowly enough Alyx could follow his fluent Zandian.
A smooth nod. “I will arrange it. If there is anything else you require, please use the bell by your doors and a servant will come immediately
. My name is Iman. I ask that you call for me at once if you encounter any problems. The emperor has set aside some time in his schedule later today to receive you.”
“Thank you, Iman,” Alyx said before either Tarrick or Rothai could make any more potentially offensive remarks about her protection. Her Zandian was only a little stilted, and for the first time ever she was grateful for Master Prajana’s excruciating language classes. “You have clearly made an effort on our behalf, and we truly appreciate it.”
She caught Tarrick’s look of approval from the corner of her eye, and Iman’s mask of politeness softened discernibly at her use of Zandian. He gave her a little bow. “Magor-lier, this room is yours.” He pointed each of them to a room, his gaze shifting to Tarrick once he was done. “I will organise for the Leopard captain to be here to speak with you shortly.”
She arched an eyebrow at Tarrick as Iman left. “I take it your message to your brothers made it sound like I’m being hunted by a veritable army of assassins?”
“You are,” he replied bluntly.
She fought against rolling her eyes. “Can we assume it’s a good sign the emperor has taken such pains with our safety?”
“Yes and no.” Tarrick cocked his head. “Honour is crucial in Zandian culture, and to have a guest harmed under your roof is a great personal dishonour. But the fact the emperor was willing to host you is a sign he at least intends to listen to what we have to say.”
“So we should all be on our best behaviour and match our Magor-lier’s exemplary use of Zandian?” A grin tugged at Adahn’s mouth. “Noted. Good ol’ Prajana, never thought I’d be grateful for those classes at DarkSkull.”
She laughed at his exact echoing of her thoughts, and the others chuckled too.
“We should discuss how to arrange the Magor-lier’s guard.” Rothai was the only one not to laugh. Of course.
Alyx left them to it, curious to see the room assigned to her. She stopped only a few paces inside the door, delighted. It was a stunning space, reminiscent of the luxury she’d enjoyed growing up in Alistriem. Across from her, a wide balcony looked out over the city to the ocean. A bed shrouded in filmy white curtains sat in one corner near the balcony, with a green bathing pool opposite it. A plush lounge sat before an open window.
She clicked the door closed, shutting off Tarrick’s and Rothai’s voices as they discussed a guard rotation. Finally, a moment to herself!
Shoulders relaxing, she wandered out onto the balcony and took a deep breath of the hot Zandian air. It was sweeter than back home, smelling of spices and something else she couldn’t name. Below the balcony was a small garden. She quickly picked out the two Leopard guards at opposite ends of the greenery watching her room with the same fixed gaze those guarding the palace gates had worn.
After a while, the heat grew oppressive, and she returned inside. The quiet was soothing, and she stripped her dusty, sweaty travel clothes off and spent a luxurious period bathing in the fragrant pool. Once she was clean and scrubbed dry, she dug through her saddlebag and drew out her mage robe with a heavy sigh—meeting the emperor without looking the part of Magor-lier wasn’t a good idea, but she was going to swelter.
She was just brushing out her drying hair when there came a soft knock at the door. Tarrick stood there, black hair still damp from his own wash, mage robe stretched across his broad shoulders. He didn’t even look a little bit hot, and she made a face at him. “How are you not stifling in that?”
His grin flashed bright against his dark skin. “This is nothing. We’re technically in the middle of winter. You haven’t experienced heat until you’ve lived through a Zandian summer.”
“This is not winter,” she grumbled good-naturedly. “Did you come by to check my room for hidden assassins?”
“Better, the emperor has called for us,” he explained. “It’s best not to keep him waiting.”
The emperor’s audience chamber was on the top floor of a circular building in the centre of the palace compound. It was surrounded by floor-to-ceiling glass windows, most of which were open to let in a faint breeze coming off the ocean. The view over the city was stunning, and Alyx had to fight not to let her attention be caught by it.
Iman led them into the room, bowing low before a man lounging on a plush divan. Four Leopards stood still and silent behind him. “Your Imperial Majesty, may I present Magor-lier Alyx Egalion and her retinue.”
Dismissing Iman with a sharp gesture, the emperor stood to greet them, displaying a leonine grace, and a tall, muscular body. Tarrick had told Alyx the man was in his late forties, but he looked ten years younger, with a face too hard to be handsome and sharp eyes that took them in in a single, searching glance. “Magor-lier,” he spoke in a deep, gravelly voice. “It is an honour to host you in my country.”
“Your Majesty.” Alyx bowed low, dropping to her knees as she’d been instructed. The other mages followed suit with varying degrees of grace. She winced inwardly when Finn almost rolled forward onto his face, but it didn’t appear as if the emperor noticed.
“Please stand.” He waved a hand. “I trust your accommodations are comfortable?”
Alyx rose, allowing her years of training in court etiquette to take over and make it easier to concentrate on speaking correctly in Zandian. “They are lovely, thank you. You have a beautiful home, and Sandira is a vibrant city. We are honoured to be here, Your Majesty, and I thank you for receiving us at such short notice.”
He accepted that with a nod. “I have taken the liberty of increasing the Leopard guard surrounding the guest wing where you are staying. I mean no disrespect to your mage guards, but I know of the Hunters that Shakar sends after you. While learning of their existence was…disturbing…I am nonetheless grateful to you for uncovering the likely truth behind my son’s death. For that alone I would receive you in my city at any time, Magor-lier.”
“Your Leopards impress me as powerful warriors, Your Majesty.” Alyx chose her words carefully; she had to win this man’s support. “I appreciate your concern. The extra guard is welcome.”
“My Leopards are unparalleled.” He smiled, but there was nothing warm or soft in it. “They are modelled on the Taliath of old, did you know? Of course, my men have no Taliath ability, but they are fearsome all the same.”
Alyx nodded, inwardly debating whether to raise Darien Llancarvan’s death. It was impossible to know whether the emperor yet knew, and normally these things were better handled through formal diplomatic channels. Yet, she didn’t want the emperor to find out later and think she and her retinue had been keeping something important from him.
“Your Majesty, I also have some grave news to share with you.”
“Ah, yes.” Surprisingly the tall, fierce man bowed his head. “I received the message from Alistriem yesterday. King Darien was a good man. I only met him on a handful of occasions, but he had my respect. You have my condolences, and those of my court, Magor-lier.”
“Thank you.”
“A young and untested king is not ideal in these times,” he said bluntly.
“I have known King Cayr all my life, Your Majesty, and I believe he will make a strong king,” she said firmly. “But I agree that there are those who may see Rionn as more vulnerable now. That is a large part of the reason I am here.”
They all turned as a man entered. He wore a deep red sleeveless tunic, beautifully tooled belt and light sandals over matching breeches. From the body language of the servants in the room, Alyx judged this man as important, despite his simple clothing. An advisor, perhaps? The cropped hair ruled him out as a Leopard despite his muscular arms. He bowed low and waited for the emperor to acknowledge him.
“What is it, Hennan?”
“A ship bearing the flag of Rionn has entered the harbour, Your Majesty. They have been cleared and are docking as we speak.”
“King Cayr’s representative, I take it?”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
“Very good. Send a unit of Leopards to escort the
king’s representative here.” The emperor turned back to Alyx while Hennan crossed the room to speak with the servants by the door. “I will have refreshments brought in while you wait if that suits?”
“That sounds lovely. Thank you,” Alyx said graciously.
“Then please relax.” With no further preamble, he strode to the opposite end of the chamber to speak in a sharp undertone with Hennan. Alyx and her mages were left to sit on the couches and be served cold drinks.
Despite her best efforts, she kept glancing towards the door, as if she could summon the Rionnan representative with sheer willpower. Anticipation filled her at the thought it might be Dawn or Cario. Even if not them, it would be someone from home. A familiar face that might ease some of her longing.
“You’re doing well,” Tarrick said in a murmur. “He was impressed by your use of Zandian.”
She made a face. “I wish you or Finn had to do the talking. I fear I sound stilted, I keep having to search for the limited number of words I know.”
“It’s an expression of respect that you even try.” Tarrick’s mouth quirked. “And you’re actually not bad.”
Finn joined them. “It’s a good sign that Cayr received Astor’s message and was able to send someone. Things can’t be too unstable in Alistriem.”
“A united front from the beginning will be useful,” Alyx agreed, ignoring the stab of worry at Finn’s reference to what Cayr was facing. “And if this goes well, I’m sure we’ll be able to convince King Mastaran to attend a summit.”
“These sherbets are delicious,” Jayn said brightly, offering one to Alyx.
“I’m more partial to these sweets, myself.” Adahn spoke with a mouth full of some bright orange-coloured candy.
They weren’t left waiting too long before a servant announced the arrival of the Rionnan representative.
“Should we get up?” Alyx asked Tarrick in an undertone.
“Yes. If you’re eating, swallow quickly,” Tarrick murmured back.
Alyx placed her glass down and rose to her feet. The emperor left Hennan to greet the man being escorted through the door by two Leopards. For a long moment the room fell silent. For the emperor and other Zandians, the sight of a revered Taliath in the flesh stunned them all. For Alyx, the sight of Dashan so unexpectedly here rendered her frozen, and then suddenly unable to breathe.
