by John Marco
“Tell them the truth, Grak,” Lukien advised. “Tell them who we are and that we’re here to see Kadar.”
Grak shook his head in exasperation. “You are very stupid, Liirian.”
“Tell them.”
Grak obeyed, and the Jadori guards listened, perplexed by the tale. The one nearest Lukien ordered his kreel a bit closer, studying him intently.
“They want to know why you wish to see Kadar,” said Grak. “What should I tell them?”
“Don’t tell them anything,” said Lukien. “Let me show them.”
In all the days he had traveled with Grak, Lukien had never revealed the real reason they were going to Jador. Now he slowly reached into the sack and pulled out the Eye of God. Beside him, he heard Thorin whisper a warning. The guards frowned, raising their spears a bit. But when they saw the amulet emerge, they nearly dropped their weapons. Grak and his family gasped at the sight.
“Inai ka Vala,” Lukien proclaimed. Then he leaned over to Gilwyn and asked, “That’s right, isn’t it?”
Gilwyn nodded, swallowing nervously.
“Inai ka Vala,” Lukien said again. “For Kadar.”
The sight of the Eye amazed Grak. He stepped forward, ignoring the guards and staring at the amulet in Lukien’s hand. The ruby at it center caught the bright sun, sending its light spiraling across his face.
“Where did you get that?” asked Grak angrily.
“It doesn’t matter,” replied Lukien. “Tell them it belongs to Kadar.”
“We know who it belongs to! That is Inai ka Vala, the life amulet!”
Lukien nodded. “I’ve brought it back for Kahan Kadar.” He looked at the guards, trying to make them understand. “Kadar,” he repeated. “Inai ka Vala for Kadar.”
“They know that,” said Grak. “But how?”
“Tell them to take us to the palace,” ordered Thorin. His big voice made the guards take notice. “Kadar,” he pronounced. “Take us to him.”
The guard closest to them raised his spear and put out his hand.
“He wants the amulet,” Grak explained.
“Make him promise to take us to Kadar,” said Lukien.
“Liirian, you do not understand,” said Grak. “You are being arrested. They will take you to Kadar if Kadar wishes to see you, but you have no choice. Give him the amulet.”
Lukien hesitated, but Thorin encouraged him to surrender. “Grak’s right, Lukien. We’ve come all this way to deliver the amulet.”
“And to deliver our message,” Lukien reminded him. “Grak, tell them it’s very important that we see Kadar. Tell them we have vital news for him. Life and death news.”
Grak sighed but did as Lukien asked. The guards listened, then once again pointed their weapons at the foreigners. The one in the lead insistently kept his hand outstretched, insisting that Lukien hand over the Eye.
“Well?” asked Lukien. “Do they agree?”
“It’s as I said,” replied Grak. “They will tell Kadar you are here. It is up to the kahan whether or not he will speak with you.”
“I think that’s the best we can hope for, Lukien,” suggested Gilwyn. “Give him the amulet before they kill us.”
Seeing no choice, Lukien acquiesced. He handed the Eye of God over to the guard. The man took it carefully, as if holding something holy. Then he took the sack from Lukien as well, putting the amulet safely away. He spoke to Grak as he gestured at Lukien and his companions.
“He says you three are to follow him,” Grak explained.
More incomprehensible words from the guard. Grak nodded.
“He says that you will go alone. My family and I are to stay behind, outside the wall.”
“I’m sorry, Grak,” said Lukien. “I didn’t want you to get in trouble.”
Grak gave a broken smile. “We are not in trouble. But I think you may be.” He put out his hand for Lukien. “Luck to you, my friends.”
“And to you,” said Lukien. “Thank you for taking us this far. Will you look after our things for us? Hopefully we’ll be back.”
Grak agreed, telling Lukien that they would wait in the outskirts for them to return. The guard stepped between them, pushing Lukien toward the gate. His unmounted companion did the same with Glass, but was more careful with Gilwyn once he saw the boy’s uneven gait. Lukien led the way through the tall iron gates, followed closely by Thorin and Gilwyn. Two of the Jadori guards escorted them, one on foot, the other mounted atop his snorting kreel. As they stepped into the city, the eyes of curious Jadori fell on them. Whispers moved through the crowd. Lukien avoided their stares. He glanced ahead and saw the magnificent palace of Kahan Kadar against the sky. It was just as he remembered, beautiful and bright. Behind it stood the silent mountains. The guards steered them toward the palace with rough commands, pointing with their spears. The crowds of people in the street parted to let them pass.
“Is that Kadar’s castle?” asked Gilwyn.
Lukien nodded. “That’s it.”
“At least they’re taking us to see him,” said Thorin. The baron spied the palace, sizing it up. “Impressive.”
The guard at their backs urged him to continue. Lukien did nothing to anger them. He obeyed without question, heading quietly toward the palace. When at last they reached its sprawling grounds, crossing through another great gate and into a green and verdant garden, the guards finally stopped to confer with some companions, two more Jadori men in similar black and red garb. These new men listened to the story of the trio’s capture, plainly shocked when the Eye of God was handed to them. One of the guards turned to Lukien.
“You have come to see Kadar?” he asked.
The words were spoken perfectly, startling Lukien.
“You speak our tongue?” he asked.
The man nodded. Like the guards who had brought them here, he and his own companion bore spears and long, serrated swords at their belts.
“I know your words,” he said through his black face cloth. “You have brought Inai ka Vala. Where did you find it?”
“We’ll tell that to Kadar,” said Lukien.
“Who are you?” pressed the man.
“Let’s just say Kadar knows me. Please, let us speak to him.”
The man conferred with his comrade, speaking in Jadori. Finally, he asked, “Do you have weapons?”
“No,” said Lukien. “We’re unarmed. We left our belongings with the caravan that brought us here. To be honest, we have valuables with them still, things that are important to us. If you could—”
“Your things will be found,” the guard interrupted. “Come with me.”
He turned and walked through the garden. None of his fellow guards followed. The man on the kreel pointed his spear, directing Lukien and the others after him. Lukien exchanged a surprised glance with Thorin, then proceeded after the guard, following him toward the palace. Around them the garden bloomed with pink flowers and gurgled with the sounds of crystalline fountains. The white walls of the courtyard blanketed the grounds with shadows. Gilwyn looked around, marveling at the many plants and statues. A gaggle of children tumbled on the lawn, stopping their playing to stare at them.
“What a beautiful place,” Gilwyn whispered.
At last they reached the main structure of the palace, finally passing through an unguarded door and into a splendid corridor. Just as they had been sixteen years ago, the walls of the palace were a smooth, cool white. Lukien glanced around, pleased to see that not everything had changed. The place still had its old, welcoming charm.
After a few moments, the guard stopped at a chamber with a wooden door. He pushed the door open to reveal a small room flooded with sunlight from rectangular, glassless windows. There were some chairs in the room and a small table. Except for these things, the chamber was empty.
“You will wait here,” said the man.
Lukien peered inside. The room seemed unthreatening, even comfortable. “You’ll get Kadar for us?”
“I do not get the kahan,”
replied the man. “You will wait.”
Lukien smiled. “Right.” He entered the chamber, followed by Gilwyn and Thorin. Gilwyn quickly took a seat, glad to relax his bad foot. Teku climbed down from his shoulder to rest on the table. The windows were low and easily wide enough for a man to pass through, but the courtyard beyond seemed unguarded. The guard left the room, still carrying the Eye of God in its burlap sack and closing the door behind him.
Now there was nothing to do but wait, so Lukien joined Gilwyn near the small table. Thorin paced uneasily about the room, then settled to looking out the windows. His face was tight and serious. Long minutes ticked by without any of them speaking, until Gilwyn mentioned he was thirsty. Lukien agreed, hoping that someone would soon appear and let them out. Surprisingly, the door seemed unguarded. It would have been an easy thing to step into the garden and drink from a fountain. But none of them suggested the idea. Thorin continued staring toward the mountains in the distance, sighing as the minutes mounted.
Then at last they heard footfalls. The door opened. Lukien expected to see the guard again, but instead a lone figure stood on the threshold. The man’s face, though older, was immediately familiar. Lukien rose at once.
Kahan Kadar had changed over the years. He was lean and stern looking now, with streaks of gray in his dark hair and beard. His olive skin sagged a little from long days in the sun but his eyes were bright and clear as he stared at Lukien. He barely bothered to glance at the others, keeping a steely gaze on the man who had slain his wife. Even before crossing the threshold, the room filled with his presence. Not knowing whether to speak or bow, Lukien simply stood there enduring his fiery stare.
“It is you,” said the kahan finally. “By Vala, I never would have believed.”
“Kahan Kadar,” said Lukien. He bowed slightly. “I’m honored you’ve come.”
In his hand Kadar held the Eye of God by its golden chain. He lifted it to show the foreigners. “You’ve brought me this,” he said. “Why?”
“My lord Kadar,” said Thorin, smiling diplomatically, “we’ve come on an urgent mission. The amulet—”
“Silence, one-arm,” snapped Kadar. “I’m speaking to the man who killed my wife.” Keeping his eyes on Lukien, he said, “Explain yourself. Why are you here, and why have you returned my amulet?”
It was a simple question, yet the answer was so complicated. “My friend speaks the truth,” said Lukien. “We’ve come on a mission.”
Kadar smirked. “A peace mission, perhaps? Like last time?” At last he glanced at the others. “And who are these you’ve brought with you? More thieves?”
“Let us explain, please, your lordship,” said Thorin. “My name is Baron Thorin Glass, from Liiria.” He pointed at Gilwyn and said, “This boy is named Gilwyn Toms. And you already know Lukien.”
Kadar stepped forward, taking immediate notice of Gilwyn’s strange boot and twisted left hand. Remarkably, he smiled at the boy. “Gilwyn Toms.”
Gilwyn returned the smile. “Yes, my lord.”
“You are welcome here,” said Kadar. The statement startled them. Kadar turned quickly back to Lukien. “You are the one called the Bronze Knight. The one who killed my Jitendra.”
“Yes, my lord,” said Lukien. “And I’m truly sorry for it.”
“And this?” Kadar asked, dangling the amulet in Lukien’s face. “Was this not worth it to you?”
“No.” Lukien’s tone was flat. “It was not.”
“Something happened to bring you here. Tell me.”
“You speak very well now, my lord,” Lukien observed. “Have you studied since we met last?”
“I’ve had time, Bronze Knight, and the need to learn about your people. Now, tell me what brought you here.”
“We’re trying to tell you,” said Glass. “If you’d just listen, we have important news.”
“No,” said Kadar, shaking his head. “I want to know why you decided to bring the Eye back to me.”
“All right,” said Lukien, barely checking his anger. “Your blasted amulet is cursed. It’s cost me everything, and everyone I care about. Is that what you want to hear?”
At last Kadar seemed satisfied. There was no joy on his face, but rather a look of complete understanding. And, for a moment, a glimpse of sadness. He gestured to the three chairs. “Sit.”
Lukien hesitated, unnerved by Kadar’s expression. But he did as asked, and his companions did the same. Teku slid onto Gilwyn’s shoulder. Kadar watched the amulet for a time, turning slowly on its chain. He hardly seemed surprised by what Lukien had told him, or even pleased to have the life-giving Eye back.
“You’ve come to give me news,” said Kadar. “Fine. But first, your story.” He looked directly at Lukien. “Speak.”
“If it satisfies you, I’ll tell you,” said Lukien, then proceeded to explain his sorry history. He started from the beginning, when he had first stolen the amulet, explaining how it had been needed to save Cassandra’s life. It was not his idea, he told Kadar, but rather Akeela’s, his king. Kadar nodded at the name, but did not interrupt. Lukien told him how the amulet had saved Cassandra, arresting her cancer for sixteen years. But Akeela had gone mad in that time, and he himself had been banished from Liiria. As he spoke, Kadar listened intently, his face barely showing any emotion. And when at last Lukien got to the part of Cassandra’s death, Kadar only nodded and stroked his bearded chin.
“So you see, Kahan Kadar? I’ve lost everything. And so have these others.” Lukien ended his story with a shrug. “Before she died Cassandra asked me to return the Eye to you. She had planned to come herself, but the curse killed her.”
Kadar turned away to stare out the window. He was quiet for a long moment. The amulet hung loosely from the chain in his fist. At last he asked, “Did you not wonder why I never hunted you?”
“I did,” said Lukien. “We escaped you easily, and I always wondered why. At first I thought you would come after us, but you never did.”
“I never had to,” said Kadar. He lifted the amulet. “This did it for me. It destroyed you.”
Lukien understood. “It’s cursed,” he sighed. “Truly.”
“It is protected,” Kadar corrected. “I am the Eye’s rightful owner, and you took it from me. The spirit of the Eye did what it had to.”
“Spirit?” asked Lukien. “What do you mean?”
Kadar ignored the question. To Lukien’s surprise, he did not put the amulet back around his neck, but rather let it dangle uselessly in his hand. “My wife died the night you left,” he said. “Have you always known this?”
“No, not really,” said Lukien. “But I always suspected it. Kadar, I’m sorry. I never meant for her to die, nor the child she was carrying. I’m not asking you to forgive me, but I want you to know it was an accident.”
Kadar was unmoved. “Accident or no, she is dead.”
“And I regret that more than I can say. That’s the reason I’ve come back, partially. To give you back what is rightfully yours.”
“And to warn you, Kadar,” added Thorin. He rose from his chair and stood face to face with the kahan. “You can silence me after I’ve said my peace, but you need to know that you’re in danger. We haven’t come all this way just to give you back your bauble, but to tell you of an invasion.”
“Indeed?” Kadar smiled thinly. “I am listening.”
Thorin looked at Lukien, plainly surprised by the kahan’s lack of interest. Lukien got to his feet and said, “My lord Kadar, you should listen to us. We speak the truth. You and your people are in great danger. My king—”
“Former king,” corrected Thorin.
“Yes, our former king, Akeela, has formed an army to take back the Eye. He knows we’ve come here, and he wants it. He’s marching for Jador even as we speak.”
“For the Eye?” asked Kadar suspiciously. “Or for you, Bronze Knight?”
“Kadar, it doesn’t matter what you think of me. You’re right—Akeela is coming to kill me. But his army
will slaughter you just the same. He wants that amulet just as much as he wants me.”
“And something else,” added Gilwyn. He got unsteadily to his feet. “My lord, King Akeela is looking for Grimhold.”
Finally they’d said something to get Kadar’s attention. “What does he know of Grimhold?”
“He knows that’s where the Eyes of God come from,” Gilwyn replied. “And he knows that it’s somewhere in the mountains beyond here.” Gilwyn studied Kadar. “Is that true, my lord? Is there really a Grimhold?”
Once again, Kadar gave the boy an enigmatic smile. “A great story, perhaps.”
“My lord, we know about the amulets,” insisted Gilwyn. “And we’ve seen the Witch of Grimhold. We know she exists.”
Kadar’s eyebrows shot up. “You continue to surprise me, boy. You say you’ve seen the Witch?”
“I have, my lord,” said Gilwyn. “She entranced me so that I’d forget, but I remember her. I know she wears the other amulet, just like that one.”
“Where did you see her?” asked Kadar. “In Jador?”
“No, in Liiria,” said Gilwyn. “But I know it was her.”
Kadar stepped lightly toward the window and stared out into the bright day. “If this witch is in Liiria, then why would your King Akeela come here for her?”
“He’s not looking for the witch, my lord,” said Lukien. He was growing frustrated now and went over to stand behind Kadar, trying to make him listen. “Akeela doesn’t even know the witch exists. We told you, he’s after your amulet. And there’s someone else with him; a general named Trager. He’ll be after Grimhold and whatever else he can get.”
The desert leader did not turn from the window. He said simply, “No doubt you have seen how we’ve changed. We can protect ourselves.”
“With respect, Kahan Kadar, I disagree,” said Thorin. The baron went to Kadar’s side, pressing him between himself and Lukien. “You don’t know Akeela or what he’s capable of. We’ve seen your men and their lizards. They’re impressive. But they’re no match for Liiria’s army. You’re in great danger.”
