The King's Questioner

by Nikki Katz

  Kalen hoped it stayed that way. Imprisoning an innocent captain didn’t seem to be a good way to keep the peace. He glanced at Belrose. “Thank you for all your help,” Kalen said. “I appreciate you getting us to Antioege safely and quickly. Please let me know how we can help.”

  The captain straightened. “Perhaps you could round up supper for the crew?”

  Kalen slipped out the door, his boots scuffing the deck as he walked its length. His mind lingered on all the unknowns. The crystals’ exact powers. How they seemed to project magick into crowds. Where they originated. Their possible connection to the princess. Ryndel’s part in all of it.

  He made his way past Luna and Cirrus, who was walking her through the four directions and touch points of Hakunan. “Across your body is on an inhale.” He stood behind her and gripped her wrists in his fingers, slowing the movement as she brought the staff around to her left.

  Kalen searched the galley, opening barrels and cupboards and digging through boxes. He gathered salted fish and biscuits, dried apricots and plums. A cask of rum lay unopened, and he filled several bottles. When he brought the meal above deck, Jasper and the rest of the crew went straight for the alcohol, and much of the crew settled against the rails to eat.

  Luna sank beside Kalen and chewed a dried apricot. She sipped at more of her homemade tea, not even turning her head as she said, “I heard that.”

  Across the deck, Jasper looked over from where he had been whispering to another sailor.

  If there was one thing Kalen could say about Luna, it was that she had exceptional hearing. And deft fingers. And ridiculous night vision. Actually there were a lot of things Kalen could say about Luna.

  Jasper’s pale eyes narrowed and fixed on Luna.

  “Do I bother you even more now?” she asked as she pinched another piece of the sticky fruit between her fingers.

  Belrose took a sip from his mug and leaned closer to Luna. “Women are unlucky on ships. You set them on edge.”

  “As does my silver hair and pale skin.” Luna gave a slight shrug. She was used to the ogling and comments.

  “Where are you from?” the sailor to the right of Jasper called across the deck.

  Luna let the cloak fall from her head, and her hair settled in a heavy sheet around her shoulders. She looked up at the stars dotting the sky and then over to the sailors. “Where is anyone from?” She swept a hand up and over, from the heavens to the horizon. “I don’t know who my father is. But my mother used to tell me a story when I was young.”

  Jasper rolled his eyes, but the others leaned in as Luna opened her mouth to speak again. Sailors loved stories, and Luna loved to distract people. Usually while she pocketed their trinkets and coins, but in this case she could perhaps gain their trust.

  “There once was a girl who was afraid of the dark. Every night her mother would light twelve candles and place them around her bedroom so that the girl could fall asleep. She would watch the flickering lights from each candle until her eyelids felt heavy enough and she would sink onto her pillow. The girl grew into a teenager, and her fear of the dark grew right along with her. She couldn’t stand the pure blackness of it all, the seamlessness of the sky above and the ground below. The day held the sun and an array of colors, but the night … the night held nothing—”

  “What about the moon and stars?” Jasper interrupted.

  Another sailor shushed him.

  “One day the girl’s mother left to visit an ailing relative. The girl stayed home to take care of her younger siblings and the farm. Her brothers and sisters took forever to fall asleep, and night arrived swiftly, so fast that the girl didn’t have a chance to light any candles. She sat in the dark, paralyzed. She couldn’t even see her hand in front of her face.

  “Terror was a living thing inside of her, itching, crawling its way up her arms and legs, across her torso, inching up her throat until she thought it would strangle her.

  “And then suddenly the darkness lifted. Black turned to a dark gray, and she could faintly see the shape of the table across the room. The change came from outside her window, a pale light that poured indoors. A small glint moved slowly, drifting in and out of the trees in the forest beyond the house. The girl stayed rooted to her spot in the middle of the room. Her eyes followed every movement, her fear dissolving slowly as the light grew closer and larger. A part of her mind told her to be afraid of the unknown, to question the source of the light. She chose to focus elsewhere.

  “A soft knock on the door broke her reverie, and she tiptoed across the room. Outside stood a boy, about her age. His entire being glowed a strange white light that emanated from within. He was beautiful. Stunning in the way a living statue might be, porcelain come to life. She wanted to touch him.

  “So she did.

  “She reached out and brushed her palm against his forearm. His skin was soft, smooth, and, most curious of all, warm. Her fingers trailed down to thread through the boy’s fingers, and he pulled her gently from the doorway into the yard.

  “His light filled the space around them, illuminating the path that cut through the wildflowers and grass. They walked a few more steps, and he spun her, his arms wrapping around her lower back. She stared at his face, trying to memorize the sharp lines of his cheekbones, the slight arch of his lips, the long eyelashes framing his dark eyes. Her hands reached to clasp behind his neck, and suddenly the solidness of the ground beneath her feet disappeared. They spun slowly into the air, weightless. A breathless laugh escaped her lips; her only fear at this point was that he would leave.

  “They spun higher, until the ground below was no longer visible and it seemed they were the only two beings in the universe. They hung for what felt like forever, speaking with their eyes and minds and hearts. He tipped his head, and his lips brushed hers. Light and love burst forth, tiny pricks of light that spread and settled across the expanse of sky. Their hearts swelled, and an orb burst forth, lifting higher until it hung bright above them.

  “The girl knew their time together had ended and he had to go. He returned her to her home, and, after one last kiss, she went inside. The door shut slowly between them, but the light outside remained. She leaned with her back against the door, heart pounding with fear as she waited for the darkness to close in again. It didn’t. Every night the glowing ball hung in the sky, and the pricks of light stayed, spread all around it. She never saw the boy again, but she was also never again afraid of the dark.”

  The sailors all glanced at the sky above, at the moon cresting the apex of the heavens. The sea reflected its bright white light. For a moment they might have believed that they sailed through pure starlight instead of dark waters.

  The men appeared mesmerized by Luna’s story. Everyone but Jasper. His head tilted to the side, and he stared right through her. “That didn’t tell us anything.”

  “Sure it did.” His mate jostled him with an elbow. “She’s born from the girl who was afraid of the dark and the boy who loved her. Just like the moon and stars.”

  Jasper shook his head as if the idea were ridiculous. “It’s a metaphor.”

  “Back to work, boys.” Belrose commanded them to their stations. He turned to Kalen. “You might want to get her belowdecks for the rest of the night.”

  Kalen glanced at Luna, and she raised an eyebrow. Together they gathered the empty pails and remaining bits of food to take down to the galley. Cirrus followed close behind, tossing the staff from hand to hand as he went.

  “Where did you guys sleep?” Luna asked when they were done putting everything away.

  “I’ll be sleeping above deck.” Cirrus pointed at the ceiling with the staff.

  “There’s a room over here with hammocks.” Kalen nodded at the cabin two doors away.

  “Mind if I join you?” Luna looked at Kalen. “If you can keep your hands to yourself, that is.”

  Cirrus snorted. “Kalen doesn’t like girls.”

  “He does. Just not me,” Luna said, her hand over her che
st like the thought wounded her. Kalen knew she was joking, though. They’d always had platonic feelings for one another. Sure, Luna was stunning and certainly unique, but they were more like siblings than anything else. He opened the door to the room and allowed her to enter first.

  Within minutes they’d kicked off their boots and fallen asleep to the rocking of the ship.

  * * *

  THE SAILOR WALKED into the captain’s room and said, “They are gaining on us.”

  “I’m not surprised.” Belrose bent over to rest both hands on his desk. He stared at the sailor standing in the doorway to his room.

  “Wait. I’m confused.” Cirrus lounged against the wall, his arms crossed in front of him. They had stopped in for an update and to get out of the crew’s way.

  “Did they stop at the island?” Belrose asked.

  Kalen watched for the sailor’s response. A shake of his head.

  “Can we back up a minute? I’d like a proper introduction.” Cirrus waited as the sailor introduced himself as Milo.

  Belrose waved for Milo to join him at his table, where maps still covered the surface. “Where are they now?”

  Milo tapped the map with his index finger. “There. It’s not a significant gain. They won’t reach us before we make landfall if we keep up this pace.” He glanced out the porthole at the darkening sky. “Unless the weather hits us first.”

  Cirrus opened his mouth as if to speak, but Belrose held up his hand. “And their course?” he asked. “I’m not sure how they’ve closed any gap whatsoever since yesterday.”

  “They are hugging the coast,” Milo said.

  Belrose nodded. “A treacherous route with the outcroppings and sandbars, but better winds.” He eased into his chair, wincing at the movement. He glanced from Kalen to Cirrus and back again. “Milo is a tracker.”

  “I track objects,” Milo clarified. “It’s a type of magick. Not one easily determined, but I realized when I was young I could sense lost objects. It took a while to hone in to the skill set I have today.”

  “How does it work?” Kalen rubbed at the key around his neck.

  “I have to identify the object ahead of time, see it in person, and touch it. Then I can sense its location.”

  “How many things can you track?” Cirrus asked.

  “At this distance, only one at a time.” Milo scratched at the scruff growing on his chin. “It’s all I can focus on. I’ve lost the location of all other objects until I release this mark.”

  Kalen released his key. “And what exactly are you tracking?”

  Milo looked to Belrose, who nodded his approval.

  “I figured when the captain was arrested that we might be having trouble later, so I just happened to ‘lose’ something on the ship most likely to follow us. I’ve been following the Impérial since it left port yesterday morning.”

  Cirrus and Kalen glanced at each other. The Impérial was a ship in the Mureaun navy.

  “Can you tell who is on board?” Kalen asked.

  Milo shook his head. “I can only track the object, not anything else about it.”

  Kalen’s mind spun. He glanced at Cirrus. “Do you think Ryndel would have sent someone after us this fast?”

  “I think you know him better than I do at this point. I’m questioning all I knew. Father made it a habit of sending me away to the further villages to provide a royal presence, but it seems the real action was in Mureau.”

  That must have been the reason Kalen had seen so little of him lately. He’d selfishly thought Cirrus was either avoiding him or off playing. He felt a twinge of guilt that they had become so distant over the years. Then his heart hardened at the thought. It wasn’t his fault. The prince was the one who had shut him out all those years ago. He was the adoration of the subjects of Mureau, while Kalen was ostracized for his abilities.

  “How do people view magick in Antioege?” The question was out of Kalen’s mouth before he realized he had spoken the words.

  “It’s tolerated well for the most part, although I think people are still nervous about those with abilities, because they are rare and inconsistent.” He paused. “And in Mureau?”

  “The same,” Kalen said with a sigh. “I think people’s reactions depend mostly on the ability in question and who wields it.” He wiggled his fingers. “Suffice it to say nearly everyone seems opposed to the idea of a sorcier entering their mind and discovering their secrets.”

  Cirrus pushed away from the wall. “I should work with Luna on the next lesson of Hakunan. Care to join me?”

  The pair found Luna at the bow, talking to Jasper of all people. As soon as he saw the boys approaching, he ducked away.

  “What was that about?” Kalen asked.

  “He decided to show me some self-defense moves.” She shrugged. “Apparently I’m a weak girl in need of saving.”

  Kalen held back a snort as Luna leaned against the rail, closed her eyes, and took a deep breath.

  “How close are we to land?” she asked.

  “Still another day, if we aren’t attacked first.” Kalen filled her in on the tracker and what he’d seen.

  “So Ryndel knows we fled?” She opened one eye to look at them.

  “There’s no way to know what exactly he knows,” Kalen said. “But it’s best that we assume a low profile in Antioege. The prince should stay out of sight as much as possible, and we need to seek out information about the princess immediately.”

  “Don’t worry about me,” Cirrus said, stretching his arms overhead. “It’s not like my orders don’t outrank Ryndel’s.”

  Kalen glanced at the horizon. “I fear we are all wanted criminals at this point.”

  “True. You did liberate an incarcerated captain,” Cirrus said with a half smile.

  “I don’t know that you’re free of suspect. Again, I think we all need to keep a low profile.”

  “Easy enough for me. I can stay hidden.” Luna sipped from a mug of tea.

  “I still don’t understand how. You stick out like a scylee bird whenever you’re actually spotted.” Cirrus shook his head at her. “Ready for your next lesson?” He didn’t wait for a response before leaving to fetch the mop handle again.

  “How are you holding up?” Luna asked.

  Kalen stared off at the horizon. “Honestly?”

  “Have I ever asked you to speak untruths?”

  Kalen rolled his eyes.

  “Honestly, I feel a lot of things,” he said. “My headaches have eased now that I’m not having to use my ability. It’s a relief, but leaves me feeling bitter toward the king.” He paused. “And bitter toward this quest as well. I know I’ll have to use it again.”

  Luna stood at his side. “Maybe you won’t. Maybe we can get answers through regular means of questioning.”

  Kalen steadied himself as a swell rocked the boat. “Here’s hoping that’s the case.” But he knew better. He knew the quickest way to obtain answers would be to scour the minds of Antioegens as soon as they landed.

  And Luna knew it, too.

  CHAPTER

  10

  A day later and they stood at the helm of the ship, Luna’s mouth gaping.

  Kalen didn’t blame her. Antioege held no resemblance to their home. It was glasswork and color where Mureau was dour and imposing.

  Much of the city was built over the sea. Across the entire bay, posts extended into the water to support massive buildings topped with spindles reaching high into the heavens. The setting sun reflected off the metal and glass that made up most of the buildings, blinding Kalen and Luna with brightness. Farther up the shore, the city extended into the foothills. Homes dotted the landscape, their windows also reflecting the light.

  Milo informed them that the Impérial was half a day behind, so they needed to find a place to stay, off the beaten path, by nightfall. Before they exited, Belrose commanded Jasper to go onshore quickly and purchase clothing for the trio to change into.

  “When the Impérial arrives, they will
question who exited the ship. If you leave in those outfits, you will definitely be flagged as foreigners.”

  “He’s right,” Cirrus said with a frown. “But I really would rather not wear Antioegen fashion.”

  “Is it that bad?” Luna asked.

  It was that bad.

  As they prepared to disembark, Luna gripped the skirt of her too-short dress, all thin and lacy and covered with poppies. It was long-sleeved so as to cover her tattoos, and her hair was tied back and covered in a scarf.

  Kalen felt equally ridiculous in royal blue silk trousers, a buttoned white shirt, and a vest. He felt exposed, like the bright colors would call attention to them, even though it was the normal attire for this city. Meanwhile, Cirrus strutted around like a peacock in his turquoise attire.

  “It’s not as bad as I remember,” he said. “Or perhaps my tastes have changed.”

  “I had hoped this was just a prank on Jasper’s part,” Luna muttered.

  They all thanked the captain for his service and boarded the tender. Jasper rowed them toward the shoreline, pulling against the solid quay, where he threw his rope around a post.

  Luna again leaped out of the boat first. Even though the Hakunan and tea had kept the sickness at bay all day, she seemed thrilled to be on land, even if land was actually a dock shifting with each swell of the waves.

  Kalen led Luna and Cirrus toward the first intersecting piers. A light breeze swept in from the sea, ruffling the colored silks and scarves worn by the townspeople. The citizens walked light on their feet down the piers as they greeted one another and stopped to browse the stalls filled with shell wind chimes, woven hammocks, and the spicy aroma of baked sweets. A graceful and pale nationality, they looked delicate, even though they thrived on the sun and the sea.

  “I know a place we can stay,” Cirrus said. “We boarded there the last time I was here.”

  “On an ambassadorial mission?” Kalen asked. “We both know we shouldn’t stay anywhere you boarded with your guardsmen. You can’t be recognized … Your Highness. Let’s head through town, see if we can learn anything, and then find a place on the outskirts.”