by Cayla Kluver
Members of our guard had spread out and were surveying the area, though for what I did not know. It was hard to imagine encountering danger here, and I wondered if this were just another sign of the thorough nature of the Cokyrians. They never took anything for granted, and being on alert seemed inherent in their makeup.
“Narian,” I called, approaching him where he had dismounted. “How much farther is it to Cokyri?”
“Another half day’s ride. Cokyri sits in the shelter of those peaks.” He pointed to show me where we were going. “We’ll make camp here tonight and proceed in the morning.” He didn’t elaborate, but I knew this decision was made to accommodate me. The journey could be made in a single day if one traveled fast and hard.
I watched while he pitched a tent for me, realizing everyone else would throw a bedroll down on the cold earth. A fire had already been started, and some of our guards had snared a few rabbits in preparation for a stew.
I sighed, nervous about what the next day might bring.
“Does the High Priestess know I’m traveling with you?” I asked as Narian held the tent flap open for me.
“No, she doesn’t,” he replied, unperturbed. “Would you like to wash? I can heat some water if you’d like.”
He was trying to change the subject, but I wasn’t ready to let him do so.
“Do you think that’s wise? Not to inform the High Priestess?”
“I think it’s appropriate. After all, she didn’t give us advance notice of her visit to Hytanica. And she will have no choice but to deal with the unexpected.”
I frowned, wondering if there were something hidden within his last statement.
“Water?” he again asked, and I nodded, too tired to press him further.
It was dark by the time the stew was ready, and Narian and I ate around the campfire with our guards, most of whom were women. Conversation was scant, but genial, and it seemed strange to so casually interact with Narian’s soldiers. I realized then that, with the exception of Narian, I had never really thought of the Cokyrians as people, with lives and loves and the same types of worries, big and small, that I had. And it was apparent that they missed their homeland. If given a choice, I wondered how many of the conquerors would forsake the conquered land without delay.
* * *
We rose early the next morning and headed deep into traditional Cokyrian territory. I was stiff following our night’s sleep, a testament to the roughness of the terrain and the sumptuousness in which I usually slept. We trotted our horses along a forested ridge, and I concentrated on standing slightly in the stirrups, trying to limit the bumps and jars that were inherent in the gait. But I forgot my discomfort when the trees thinned and the walled fortress of the enemy empire came into view. I had always imagined Cokyri as dark and lifeless and had grown up believing the people to be uncivilized, unfeeling. But the city that loomed in the distance was awe-inspiring, built ingeniously into the dark gray stone of the mountains surrounding it. Magnificent spires could be seen beyond the wall that protected it, with one building in particular drawing the eye, for it shone white and gold in the afternoon sun.
I looked at Narian, for he had stopped his horse and was gazing upon the city he loved. He had grown up here, lived here for most of his eighteen years—it was what he remembered of his childhood, and it was beautiful despite the horrors it had wrought for him.
“It’s breathtaking,” I murmured, and he nodded, a smile playing at the corners of his mouth, then he motioned our entourage forward.
The route we took avoided a steep descent in favor of a long, gradual one—we went in what seemed like circles for almost two hours before the gates of the Cokyrian stronghold were before us. The sentries immediately permitted us entry, greeting Narian with extreme deference. If he were hated in Hytanica, the admiration he received in Cokyri more than made up for it. Word of his return spread quickly, and men, women and children ran out to the streets to get a glimpse of the young commander who had at long last conquered Hytanica. I was grateful that few glances were spared for me, for I wasn’t certain I could bear the disdain they would likely show if my identity were known. Besides, my senses were reeling with information, for the residences and business establishments that we passed were astonishingly different from their counterparts in my homeland. All of the streets were paved, and everything was clean, almost pristine. Most of the buildings had sheltered and columned front entries and wide arching windows. Some structures spanned an entire block and had enclosed yards where children ran and played. Were they schools? Or some type of communal living arrangement? And most of the buildings had etchings around their front doors—symbols and words that I did not understand.
It wasn’t long before we approached the brilliant white-and-gold building that I had glimpsed from afar, and I was pleased to discover it was our destination. We pulled the horses to a halt before the iron gates of its walled courtyard and Narian dismounted, giving me a reassuring look as he came to hold my horse so I could do the same. Then he ushered me into the inner sanctum, and I would have stopped and stared had he not been beside me. Up close, the beauty of the palatial structure defied description. It stood three stories tall, with separate wings that stretched thousands of feet to my left and right. The columns and steps of its front entry were made of white marble, and intricate, elegant patterns plated with gold were chiseled into its stone walls. The arches of its expansive windows were embedded with jewels that were almost too dazzling for the eyes to behold, and flowers and wreaths left by the people for the ruler they adored were strewn all along the walk and the base of the building.
“The Temple of the High Priestess,” Narian confirmed as we strolled up the wide path. “Welcome.”
I swallowed several times, trying to remove the lump from my throat. Never had I envisioned myself in this country, let alone being welcomed into its ruler’s temple. A part of me was instinctively afraid, for this was, after all, Cokyri. But I was with Narian, and he would never let me come to harm.
We approached the double front doors, which were drawn open by servants, and stepped across the threshold. The splendor that had marked the outside of the temple was nothing compared to what greeted me on the inside. The floor of the expansive foyer was marble, and a chandelier as large as the old dais in the Hytanican Throne Room hung from its domed ceiling. Ahead lay a double marble staircase with golden banisters, the walls to each side painted with lavish murals. I had been raised a princess, and even I was overwhelmed.
The servants who had permitted us entry took our cloaks, then a young woman stepped forward.
“Come with me,” she invited. “You will want to wash and change following your travels.”
I glanced nervously at Narian, but he smiled.
“Go ahead, Alera. Let them pamper you. We’ll be reunited shortly.”
I nodded and went with the servant into a room with benches lining its walls and a sunken tub in the middle of the floor. A scented bath was prepared for me, and it wasn’t until I had settled into the warm water that I realized how tense and aching my muscles really were. I lay my head back, letting the servant brush and clean my hair, knowing that if I relaxed totally, I would fall asleep.
Deciding it would be best if I didn’t let my skin shrivel, I asked for a towel and gave up the luxury I was enjoying. As I dried off, the servant presented me with a soft, white blouse that closed asymmetrically in front, loose-fitting leggings and soft-soled shoes. I slipped th
e garments on, realizing that my traveling clothes had been removed, then was returned to the foyer where Narian awaited me. He, too, had bathed and was dressed similarly to me, although his clothing was black.
“What now?” I asked, unsettled by the echo of our voices.
“Duty,” he replied somewhat cryptically, but at my quizzical expression, he added, “Dinner with the High Priestess.”
“You’re remarkably calm, considering the manner in which she left Hytanica.”
“I feel better having you here with me. Your presence will have caught her off guard and might keep her from yelling.”
I laughed and walked with him down the hall, our footfalls resounding as chillingly as our voices. “So that’s why you wanted me to come with you.”
“Maybe.” He smirked, leading me to a door on the left side of the staircase. Without knocking, he put his back against it, pushing it open and dragging me through.
The room in which we now stood had a long table with straight-backed oak chairs and yet more marble flooring. A series of golden chandeliers blazed gloriously above the table, casting shimmering light upon its polished wood surface, which was set for two at its far end. The High Priestess, dressed in a black tunic and leggings with intricate gold and scarlet stitching, stood in front of a wide window that granted an expansive view of the mountain range. Seeing me, she snapped her fingers at a servant who was just coming through a door to her right. The man glanced at me and abruptly turned around, no doubt going to retrieve another place setting.
Narian took a great breath, then twined his fingers in mine to lead me across the room, ready to make our relationship known. The High Priestess took note of our clasped hands, but though she was undoubtedly displeased, she chose to disregard Narian’s display of affection.
“Alera,” she greeted me. “What a pleasant surprise.”
The servant returned to add a plate, wineglass and cutlery to the tabletop, positioning it opposite the place setting that had been laid out for Narian, then scurried from the room.
“Let us sit,” the High Priestess invited.
Narian and I took our seats, Nantilam between us at the head of the table, an arrangement that was deliberate on her part. Platters of food were brought, and as the meal was served, I began to feel that we were under inspection, for her cool green eyes seemed to take in everything. Narian shot me several apologetic glances that I was certain did not pass the High Priestess’s scrutiny.
“Narian—tell me of your journey,” Nantilam at last inquired, and I was glad she was not addressing me, for I was intimidated by her presence. She was like a mythical goddess, beautiful, regal, forceful and perfectly composed. I sat a little taller, wishing I had the grace of my mother, for I felt that I was representing all of Hytanica, and that it could be done better.
“It was uneventful,” Narian replied. “Ordinary. Much the same as I hope yours was a few days ago.”
“Yes, my journey was easy,” the High Priestess replied. “Of course, I had much to occupy my mind and Rava to keep me company.”
“How is Rava?” I ventured.
“Well. She is staying here in the temple and will resume her shield maiden duties when she is ready.”
I nodded, and the silence was filled with the scrape of tableware on plates. Nantilam, I noticed, was watching Narian almost shamelessly, and I began to count the seconds, for each one that passed brought us closer to the end of this awkward meal.
Narian abruptly set down his fork and leaned back in his chair to address her. “The festival went well.”
“I’m glad to hear that. No disruptions, disturbances?”
“A few minor matters, but nothing serious.”
I tensed, for he was keeping information from her, for what reason I did not know.
“Good. Then finish your meal.”
“I’m afraid being under scrutiny has cost me my appetite.”
It was a bold assertion, and the hardening of the High Priestess’s eyes confirmed that it was less respectful than she generally tolerated. She sat silently, locking her gaze on his, neither of them showing the slightest inclination to yield. Perhaps he was more like her than he cared to admit.
“I assumed things had gone well when I saw Alera with you,” she resumed, her voice sharp. “You surely would not have taken the Grand Provost from her province in a time of unrest. You intended to address this, Narian, did you not?”
I didn’t understand the subtext of their exchange, but the look they were sharing was distrustful and unfriendly.
“I wanted to show Alera the mountains,” Narian told her, and though I was confused, I knew his word choice was deliberate. “Affairs in Hytanica are as they should be.”
The tension remained high throughout the rest of the meal, and I was more than a little relieved when the High Priestess called dinner to an end. A servant was instructed to escort me to the room that had been prepared for me, and Narian walked beside me toward the door.
“Narian, a word,” Nantilam called before he could escape into the hall.
“I’ve had a long day of traveling,” Narian responded, formal and polite. “I’d prefer to talk in the morning.”
The High Priestess was offended by his attitude, but with me present, she kept her temper in check.
“Very well,” she said, but her words were clipped. “Then I will see you early in the morning.”
Narian nodded and we left the dining room in the company of a servant. We climbed the marble staircase, then the woman led me down a different wing from the one into which Narian turned. I wanted desperately to talk to him, but it seemed we were being kept apart.
I entered the room where I was to spend the night and crossed to the wardrobe, my feet sinking into the thick rug laid upon the wooden floor. Opening the door, I discovered my things had been unpacked and hung inside. I glanced toward the large four-poster bed with its golden comforter, noticing that a nightgown had been laid across it for my use. The Cokyrians certainly knew how to treat their guests.
Feeling a bit unsettled, I sat down upon the bed, tired, but not so tired that my mind would quiet. I wondered if Narian would come to visit me, knowing he might have been honest with the High Priestess about his state of exhaustion, for he hadn’t slept well in several days. I sighed, doubtful that I would find rest, despite the lavishness of my surroundings. This temple was where Miranna had been imprisoned for months. Somewhere in this city, perhaps even as part of the temple, was the Overlord’s Hall. Out of morbid fascination, and a desire to know, to understand what my sister had endured, I wanted to see these places. Maybe then I would be in a better position to help her.
About a half hour later, there was a knock on my door and I stiffened, my heart hammering. Who could want to see me?
“Come in!”
Narian slipped through the door, closing it quietly behind him, and I laughed at myself. I was not used to him entering my room in a conventional fashion.
“I never knew your home—all of Cokyri—was so beautiful,” I confessed when he was sitting beside me. “We’re not told about these things when we learn about history.”
“It is beautiful,” he agreed, almost wistfully, and I wondered what he was thinking.
“You really grew up here, in this temple?”
He was nodding, absentmindedly rubbing his wrist, and I simply watched him for a moment.
“And you love it,” I surmised.
“I suppose I do. It fe
els like home. But I don’t miss it when I’m with you.”
He kissed me, then leaned back against the pillows, pulling me along with him.
“Narian,” I murmured, lifting my head to look at him. He was so handsome, so perfect with his halo of golden hair and his intense blue eyes that I ached for him to kiss me and touch me. But there were things I wanted to ask him. “What was causing the friction between you and the High Priestess?”
An ironic smile lit his features. “Call it a familial disagreement. She doesn’t understand my change of heart—that I don’t care anymore if she sees us together. Ever since the Overlord’s death, she’s been trying to win me back, you might say. She knows I’m not happy with her. But she doesn’t realize that she’s already lost me—this place may feel like home to me forever, but it will never again be home. This part of my life is over. My loyalty has turned.”
“You’ve never said that before,” I pointed out, feeling like there was something important he was not telling me. “That your loyalty is to Hytanica.”
“I only recently came to realize it myself. But that is where my loyalty lies.”
He was resolute, decided—and he was making me uneasy. What had the High Priestess said at dinner? The Grand Provost wouldn’t leave her province in unrest. I hadn’t, had I?
“Narian—” I started, sitting up, but he interrupted me.
“Your loyalty has always been to Hytanica, and I don’t want there to be anything standing between us. So I’ve made up my mind, Alera. It’s a good thing.”
I nodded, trying to shrug off my disquiet, for he was, of course, right. I stood up and tugged on his arm, trying to get him to move.
