Songbird

by Colleen Helme

  “Where’s the key?” Bran asked.

  “Damn,” Jax said and shrugged. “I didn’t know it was locked. It’s got to be around here somewhere.”

  “While you’re looking, I’ll try and get this open.” Bran took a sharp metal object out of his pocket and inserted it in the lock. He maneuvered it around but didn’t have any luck. Jax returned empty-handed.

  “The guards must have it. I’ll go get it.” Jax started toward the door, but a shout coming from the palace with the sound of several soldiers rushing toward the guardhouse stopped him.

  Teya ducked behind the hanging beside Bran, listening as an officer told the guards that absolutely no one was allowed to leave the city. More shuffling came as several soldiers continued toward the wall, but the officer remained, and Teya swallowed in fear that he would come into the guardhouse.

  In desperation, she spun a thread of magic into the lock to make it break and pulled on it. The metal snapped off in her hand and she fumbled the chain. Bran caught it, but not before one end clattered to the ground.

  With widened eyes, he pulled the door open, and propelled her inside. As footsteps echoed outside the guardhouse, Jax dove through the opening, and Bran swung the door shut behind him.

  Teya hardly dared breathe, waiting for the officer to yell, but nothing happened. Bran carefully let go of the door handle and it held. It was pitch black except for the light that came from under the door, and that was scarce.

  After adjusting to the darkness, the outline of a landing dropped off at the beginning of a huge staircase that led down into a black hole. The larger space lessened the panic this normally caused Teya. Still, it helped that Bran took her arm before starting down the stairs.

  Jax went first. He’d gone several feet before coming to the bottom of the stairs and continued into the dark tunnel. On the verge of panic, Teya’s breathing quickened. Jax disappeared into the dark and Teya slowed her steps. Soon she heard a scraping sound and jerked to a halt.

  “Jax?” Bran whispered. A sudden flame burst in front of them and there stood Jax, holding a lighted torch.

  “Come on!” he said urgently, and began jogging down the tunnel.

  That was enough encouragement for Teya. The bare stone walls and floor passed quickly under her feet. With several twists and turns, she ran longer than she thought possible, keeping up with Bran until they finally came to another staircase leading upward.

  At the top, a single door of heavy wood was covered in cobwebs and didn’t look like it had ever been opened. It was bolted on the inside but had no lock. Bran threw the bolt and pulled, but the door didn’t budge. Jax joined him and the door moved a few inches. As the door opened further, Teya felt a jolt of magic leap around the doorframe and pulse past her. In a whirl the magic was gone, and her mouth went dry.

  “Hurry,” she said, turning back toward the struggling men. “When you opened the door, it released magic of some kind. It won’t be long before somebody comes.”

  Teya joined them, pulling with a growl of impatience that sent the door flying open. When they stepped through, she sang a few notes and tugged on the ring. It swung shut with a clang and the deadbolt slammed home.

  Both men gazed at her with open-mouthed stares. “What?” she asked. Then they glanced at each other and something unspoken passed between them. Her lips turned down. “I didn’t know it would be so easy or I would have helped sooner. Where do we go from here?”

  She glanced into the darkness, and by the light of the moon, took her first glimpse at the country on other side of the great wall. Braemar. The land next to the wall was bare of trees and vegetation for several yards, before it opened up into a beautiful rolling countryside. In the dark it was hard to see what lay beyond, but Bran and Jax knew where to go and they surged ahead.

  “There’s an outpost not far from here,” Bran explained. “With a garrison to house soldiers. I imagine it will be full because of the king’s threat, but they’ll have maps, and it shouldn’t take long to figure out where the Kalorians are.”

  “Will they try to stop us?” Teya asked.

  “I don’t know who will be in charge, but if it’s a friend, we might get some help.”

  “And if it’s not,” Jax interjected. “They’ll try to arrest Bran.”

  “I won’t let them,” Teya said heatedly. “Just see if they try, I’ll show them something they won’t easily forget.”

  “Thanks,” Bran said dryly. “But let’s see what happens first. We don’t want to bring the whole army down on us.”

  Teya knew he was right, but it wasn’t what she wanted. She wanted to break something. So much had happened that was beyond her control, and she was tired of running. She glanced back at the city. Above the wall, the top spires of the palace were visible, and she imagined how easy it would be to call down lightning and blast it to bits. She could do a lot of damage in a short amount of time.

  Anger swelled to a boiling point, dangerously close to exploding. Cold fury settled over her like a shroud and she wondered what it would be like to let it go. Killing the king could end everything, and the years of misery he’d heaped on her would end. He’d never have power over her again. He’d be nothing but dust...

  “Teya.”

  “What?”

  Bran caught her gaze, staring into her eyes until she calmed down. His clear gaze cut through the anger, and she flushed at the turn of her thoughts. The anger still burned, but she tried to push it aside. He wasn’t fooled. Some of what she felt passed to him through the bond.

  “You’re so angry,” he said evenly. “Anger like that is always destructive. It will destroy you.”

  “I know,” she bit out. “But it’s ... hard. He deserves to die, and being this close to the palace brought it all back. I can’t seem to let it go. How can I, after what they did to me? Show me how to let it go and I will. I don’t want to be a monster.”

  “If you really want to let it go, you can. All you have to do is open the box and let it out. Take it from your heart and free it. Think of it as something dark that you’re going to replace with something light.”

  “But Korban... and the king. Even Jesse. What they did…”

  “It was wrong, and they hurt you. But the anger is hurting you more. Free yourself and you win against them.”

  “But if I let it go, that means they win. I would have to forgive them for what they did to me, and I don’t think I can.”

  “Letting go of your anger is a beginning. That’s where it starts. Forgiveness can come later, once you’ve let yourself heal.”

  Calm returned, along with the balance she’d lost. The anger was gone for now, but she didn’t know if she could keep it that way. “All right. I’ll make you a deal. I’ll give up my anger, as long as it means that Korban will still pay for what he’s done.”

  “Oh, he’ll pay,” Bran said, determination in his eyes. “In fact, I’m looking forward to meting out the justice he deserves. But first, we have to find him.”

  “Then we’d better get started.”

  Together, they started down the narrow track, and Teya’s heart lifted. For the first time, she felt a control she’d never imagined. It was going to be all right. Without anger, her magic would come to her pure and free, a tool for justice.

  Thinking of it this way lightened her heavy load and a sudden love for Bran swelled in her heart. A love that had been building for days, but now deepened into something sustaining and substantial. He shook her world and made it better. She squeezed his hand, letting her appreciation flow through the bond. Maybe when this was over, she could let him know how she felt. Maybe by then, he would feel the same way.

  The outpost consisted of a large building to house the commanding officer with a row a barracks and a training ground. The main building had an air of efficiency about it that bolstered her confidence. Even though it was late, a light at the front of the building shown through the window and Teya let out a sigh that they’d reached help.

&nb
sp; Bran knocked on the door. An officer on duty opened it, and Bran stood a little straighter. As the golden light spilled over him, Teya took a moment to admire Bran’s chiseled profile and broad shoulders. She realized with sudden clarity how much she admired his strength and character.

  “Who’s the commanding officer here?” Bran asked the soldier.

  “It’s Colonel Porter.”

  “Oh... yes. I know him. Can you get him for me? This is an urgent matter.”

  “He’s asleep.” The soldier’s eyes narrowed with suspicion.

  “Then wake him, he’ll want to see me.” Bran’s voice resonated with authority, but the soldier still hesitated.

  “Not until you give me your name, and state your business.”

  Bran shook his head with displeasure, then shrugged. “I’m Ambassador Havil, this is my assistant Jax Weyland, and this…” he paused dramatically. “Is the king’s Songbird.”

  Teya inhaled sharply. She hadn’t expected that. From the soldier’s surprised gaze, she knew he hadn’t either.

  “You…?” The soldier glanced between them, his jaw flapping up and down without any words coming out. Recovering his wits, he spoke. “Come inside and I’ll get him. And…don’t go anywhere.” He held the door open for them, and hurried up a staircase to the second floor.

  Bran turned to Teya. “I hope you’re not upset that I told him who you were, but I thought if I did, we would get faster results.”

  Teya had time to nod before the soldier returned, breathless from his errand. “The Colonel will be right down. He asked me to have you wait in his office. It’s through here.” He led them down a hallway and opened a door. “Make yourselves comfortable.”

  “Thanks,” Bran said. The soldier nodded politely and closed the door behind him. The colonel’s office was surprisingly well furnished with a beautiful dark wooden desk and plush chair. Several cushioned chairs were situated around the desk and a bookcase covered one wall.

  At the other end of the room between two large windows, the wall was covered with maps. A long rectangular table with several chairs took up the space beneath the maps.

  A door closed above them, and they heard footsteps hurrying down the hall toward them. The colonel burst through the door, still buttoning up his shirt. He swept a glance over them before addressing Bran.

  “Ambassador Havil? I didn’t think you’d dare show your face here.” He shook Bran’s hand in a friendly manner, then turned to Jax and offered his hand as well. “This must be Jax. Rasmussen is frantic about your return, by the way.”

  The man had hawk-like features and wavy silver hair. A protruding brow hooded his piercing blue eyes and Teya was instantly wary of him without knowing why. He looked them over, his eyes lingering on Teya, before settling on Bran. “You do know the trouble you’re in?”

  Bran nodded before making a formal introduction. “Teya, this is Colonel Porter, acting commander of the army along the border, and also a ranking officer in our government. Colonel, may I introduce Teya, the king’s Songbird.”

  The Colonel took her hand, his eyes flicking to her neck before he smiled at her. “Although it is a pleasure to meet you, I had not expected that Ambassador Havil would bring you here.” His touch was firm, but he held her hand longer than necessary.

  “We’ve run out of options, Colonel,” Bran said. “The only way to avoid a war is to help Teya. Her people are being held against their will in our country, and that makes it our problem. We need to find them.”

  “How is that going to stop a war?” Porter asked, with narrowed eyes.

  “The Kalorians are my people,” Teya said, speaking up. “They have the magic you need to stop the king.” He didn’t respond, so she continued. “Believe me, the king’s soldiers are coming, whether you help us or not.”

  Porter rubbed his chin thoughtfully, then turned to Jax. “I was serious when I said that Rasmussen was looking for you. He urged me to send you to him as soon as possible if you showed up here.”

  Bran glanced at Jax. “I guess that means you’d better go. Give him a full report and ask for his help. I know we could use it.”

  “Are you sure?” Jax asked.

  “Yes.” Bran answered, and Teya knew something only they understood passed between them, then Bran turned his gaze to the colonel. “Can you spare Jax a motorbike?”

  “Of course,” Porter said. “Tell Rasmussen to advise me if this changes our plans. He’ll know what I mean. Let him know I’ll contact him if we find out anything new.” Porter called to the guard outside the door and told him to see that Jax got whatever he needed. With a piercing glance at Bran, Jax left the room.

  Teya wondered what was going on between them, but decided not to say anything in front of Porter. “Where were we?” Porter asked her. “Oh yes, where do you think the Kalorians are?”

  “Somewhere close,” Bran answered, and wandered over to the wall that was covered with charts and maps. Porter followed and soon they were scouring the maps of the countryside nearest the city.

  “Look,” Bran pointed. “This is an old monastery not three miles from here. It would be the perfect place to keep a bunch of people you wanted to hide from the world.”

  Teya studied the map. “I think you’re right.” There wasn’t another place like it for miles, and from Jesse’s description, it had to be the right place. Excitement bubbled inside her. They were so close to her people. Soon, she’d see them and take them home.

  “Ambassador,” Colonel Porter said. “The Songbird is supposed to go back to the king. You must realize that I won’t disobey my orders.”

  Porter’s words sent a shard of panic through Teya.

  “We can’t take her back,” Bran said, frowning. “She’s too valuable, and if we find her people, we will have an advantage over the king. This war can be averted. I’ve been charged with finding the source of sym, and I think the Kalorians are involved. We must find them before any other decisions are made. I’m sure Rasmussen will agree once he finds out about it. Jax will see to that.”

  Porter glanced between Bran and Teya, and his brow creased in contemplation. “All right,” he grimaced. “You’ve made your point, and although it goes against my orders, I happen to agree with you. Since I’m already up, I suppose we can go check it out. Reinforcements are due to arrive this morning. If you’re right, this discovery will probably change things.”

  He hesitated and pursed his lips. “I’m taking a chance for you Ambassador. My orders are clear that Teya be returned to King Thesald. You see what a bind this puts me in. If this doesn’t work out, I will have to abide by the terms of the agreement and send her back to avoid a war.”

  Teya knew Bran would never agree if it meant sending her back to the king, but she didn’t think the Colonel needed to know that. She opened the bond to Bran and urged him to accept. He glanced at her sharply before he replied. “They’ll be there Colonel, but thanks for the warning.”

  It wasn’t exactly the answer the Colonel was looking for, but he nodded curtly and led them down the hall toward the entrance. He beckoned to the guard who had just returned from helping Jax. “Lieutenant, get thirty men assembled immediately. I want them armed and ready for action.”

  As the soldier left, Porter glanced at Bran. “To be honest, when I heard they suspected you of taking the king’s Songbird, I didn’t believe it. Now you’re both here seeking my help. Why didn’t you come back sooner? Rasmussen may have been able to smooth things over and we could have avoided this mess.”

  “Not without taking Teya back to the king,” Bran said. “We can’t let that happen. There’s more to this than you realize. I think the Kalorians might have something to do with sym, so I freed Teya to help me find them. We went back to her homeland, but Teya’s grandmother was the only one left. It’s important that the Kalorians return to their home, and we’ve been searching for them. After we left the grove we ran into a man named Jesse. Apparently he tracks down Kalorians and brings them across the bord
er.”

  “He’s the one who told us that the Kalorians were here in Braemar,” Teya added.

  “If sym is part of this, then I understand your involvement,” Porter said to Bran. “But why do the Kalorians need to return to their home?”

  “It’s because of the grove,” Teya answered. “When my people left, the grove began to shrivel and die. Unless they return, it will be lost and magic will be taken from the land. We’ll lose everything without the grove. I can’t let that happen.”

  Porter nodded, then glanced at Teya’s neck with narrowed eyes. “Is that a kundar you’re wearing? I thought it kept you from using your magic.”

  This change of subject took Teya by surprise. Her fingers absently brushed against the metal before she spoke. “It’s…”

  “We took the first one off,” Bran broke in. “But before we got away, Jesse put that one on her. I haven’t had a chance to take it off yet. I planned to do so once we got here. We also need to take the collars off all of the Kalorians.”

  What was he saying? Teya tried to hide her confusion with a nod. “Yes,” she blurted. “The sooner, the better, if you ask me.”

  Porter raised his eyebrows. “You’re going to take all of them off?”

  “The Kalorians aren’t monsters,” Teya said. “They’re people just like you and me, and deserve their freedom. The magic they have can help us against the king if it comes to that, but I hope we can resolve things peacefully.”

  “Yes, of course, that would be best.” Porter said. “If you’re sure they will help. I’d like to talk to them first, if you don’t mind. After everything we’ve heard about them, I don’t think that’s asking too much.”

  “Fine,” Teya agreed, not liking the pointed look he gave her.

  “Good. We should be able to leave in a few minutes. I imagine you’re tired and hungry. I’ll have my steward bring you something to eat and drink while I get my things together.”

  Once he left, Teya lowered her voice and tugged on the kundar. “Why did you tell him this was real?”

  Bran shrugged. “I don’t know. He’s a trusted aide in our government, so I’m probably overreacting, but I don’t know much about him and I’d rather not tell him everything.”