Keeper: First Ordinance, Book 2

by Suttle, Connie

  "You're talking of killing my father," Amlis hissed, turning a swift, angry gaze upon Justis.

  "Who has killed too many already, including your uncle and the Avii King and Queen. He is also responsible—with that aberration we hold on the roof of your castle, for killing an entire planet. That's what is happening, or have you not reached that conclusion yet?"

  Justis' anger frightened Amlis, but he refused to back down. "Can we not capture him instead? We hold Yevil already—I blame him most for the crimes you listed."

  "We can attempt a capture, but I warn you now—should it not be successful, his death will be warranted. He's cutting a swath through an already sick and threatened population, employing murder and theft wherever it pleases him."

  "Do you have a plan of capture?" Amlis took his seat again with a troubled sigh.

  "Not yet. I believe something can be arranged. I'll let you know." Justis rustled his wings and swept from the room.

  Amlis was left to wonder whether Tandelis had ever witnessed the anger of the Avii.

  * * *

  "Father, I have received word that you should expect visitors," Berel began. He held his tab-vid aloft while a smiling Reah and Kaldill stood behind him.

  "What visitors?" Edden smiled at his son. "Those two behind you, perhaps?"

  "If you'd like us to come," Kaldill nodded. "Although more important visitors are scheduled to arrive. We merely wanted to coordinate with you to find an acceptable time."

  "I'd like to meet you," Edden said. "Is it possible to bring Berel and Quin, too? I can arrange for an airchopper from the ship to deliver you to Kondar."

  "We have our own transportation, but yes, I will be happy to bring Quin and your son for a visit."

  "I will clear my schedule for tonight; will that leave you enough time to arrive?"

  "More than enough," Kaldill agreed.

  "Will you arrive in time for dinner? How many guests should I expect?"

  "Reah and I will bring Quin, Daragar and Berel. Ildevar Wyyld, Founder of the Reth Alliance, will arrive with two others. That makes eight guests, although only seven will be dining," Kaldill chuckled.

  "I'll make arrangements, then," Edden nodded. "A Founder of an Alliance, you say?"

  "Yes. You have nothing to fear; Ildevar is one of the finest people I know."

  * * *

  Sector Two

  Dorthil's Quarters

  "You think I don't have spies in Kondar? Think again," Dorthil hissed at President Pragg. "Charkisul is being approached tonight by the Founder of the Reth Alliance. We must act quickly to destroy both. Once we're in charge of Siriaa, they'll never get their claws locked on it."

  "Founder? Reth Alliance? What are you talking about?" Pragg growled. "There is no Reth Alliance, unless Yokaru has hidden something from us all along." He spat his last words in Marid's direction.

  "Yokaru? Faugh," Marid gestured angrily. "I only told you Yokaru before, because you have no idea what lies beyond this planet. The Reth Alliance swallows planets and demands they conform to their rules and standards. Is that what you want for Siriaa?"

  "They will make us slaves? Is that what you mean?"

  "Slaves to their will," Marid blustered. Dorthil realized then that the wizard had lied to him all along, but as the lies fell in with his own desires, Dorthil kept the information to himself.

  "What can we do? Shall I contact the other Presidents?"

  "Too late for that—they'll dither while we must take action," Marid said. "I will take you to the High President's dinner tonight. If you choose to kill him and his guests while we're there, I'll be happy to lend a hand." Marid wiped blood away from his nose with a dark handkerchief, its red color hiding the blood it already bore.

  * * *

  Lironis

  Quin

  "Quin, we're going to Kondar for dinner tonight," Berel beamed at me. He'd run down castle steps to arrive at the healer's quarters as quickly as he could. He looked forward to seeing his father, I could tell.

  "Who is going with us?" I asked. I had to know—I felt growing danger about the High President, but didn't wish to alarm his son.

  "Reah, Kaldill and Daragar. Father will see a Larentii for the first time. Kaldill says others will arrive; he named the Founder of an Alliance. Isn't that exciting?"

  My shoulders sagged in relief when he listed those accompanying us. Too many things troubled my mind of late, and some of them, understandably, swirled about a metal box.

  "I will find Daragar, then. I wish to speak with him," I said.

  "I heard my name," Daragar appeared magically at Berel's side. He smiled at me, and that served to slow and warm my heart. It was beating too quickly, and I felt chilled and terrified by all I knew.

  * * *

  "Sit here," Daragar settled me on a bench on the research building balcony. "Do you wish to only speak with me, or will you allow Kaldill to attend?"

  "He can come," I hunched my shoulders. "It's only fair that he hears this, too."

  "Hear what?" Kaldill appeared. He'd been called, I suppose, the moment I gave Daragar permission to include him.

  "I keep hearing the name Marid. In my dreams and at other times. Do you know of such?" I asked.

  Daragar glanced at Kaldill before turning back to me. "I do. Do you have other information?"

  "I feel the High President is in peril because of this name," I stuttered. "I feel better, knowing you will be there with him tonight, but I feel this Marid is more than dangerous."

  "Dangerous only to the High President?"

  "Dangerous to all of Siriaa," I shuddered. At that moment, I wanted more than anything to tell Kaldill and Daragar about the metal box, but was terrified by what I might learn. I kept my lips pressed tightly together as I'd often done in my past, shoving that desire away.

  "Quin, I have asked that something appropriate be brought for you to wear," Kaldill said. "If you wish to have more clothing than that, Daragar and I can provide it."

  "What I have is good enough to work in." I ducked my head as heat warmed my cheeks.

  "That is not what we meant," Kaldill was up and kneeling before me, lifting my chin. I blinked into eyes that were neither gold nor green, but a mixture of both. Now, they were filled with concern—for me.

  "You know even the lowliest servant here has something to wear for special occasions. Why should you be different?" Daragar asked.

  I'd been different all my life. Was different now. The box I'd found might tell a tale of just how different I was. Nevertheless, these two deserved an answer, and appreciation for their offer.

  "Yes—I'd like something pretty," I confessed. I'd never had anything that qualified as such—even Amlis' uniforms had been utilitarian. Nowadays, I was grateful to have clothing I didn't have to scrub myself.

  "You shall have pretty things—I command it," Kaldill waved a hand and smiled.

  "Is that all it takes?" I couldn't help smiling back at him. As ancient as he was, he had a young heart.

  "Quin," he placed both his hands on my face, then, and held it gently, "the flowers in spring bloom beautifully, even if they've been trampled during the winter by those who have no care for such. It is hope, I think, that keeps it so."

  He placed a kiss on my forehead, then, before disappearing.

  * * *

  Reah identified the color of my dress as turquoise, and it fit snugly beneath my arms and wings, hugged my breasts and then fell in graceful folds down to my ankles. Soft shoes completed my outfit in a pale, golden color.

  I'd found the dress lying across my bed when I finished helping Ordin with his patients. More people had shown up than had come the previous day, so word was spreading that the winged healer and those who assisted him could indeed relieve their aches and illnesses.

  We'd had a few who needed dental care; those were handled by some from one of the ship's crew. I was grateful that was so—merely watching them numb sore mouths made me shiver.

  Pushing the events of the
day aside, I walked out of my bedroom to find Justis waiting. He appeared uncomfortable, for some reason. "Make sure you stay safe," he said abruptly and left the suite in a rustle of feathers.

  Breathing a sigh, I walked out behind him to meet with Kaldill and the others.

  * * *

  "Are you sure you wish to embroil yourself in this quest?" Justis asked. He watched as Torevik cleaned blades that were longer than he was tall. He could tell they were heavy, too, by the way Tory handled them.

  "Absolutely. We went to two villages Tamblin's army hit on their journey from Vhrist. I have no qualms about taking him into custody. I believe there are some who wish to question him—aside from you," Tory nodded in Justis' direction.

  "Can you wield those—with effectiveness?" Justis ventured to ask.

  "Not as I am now. Pray that you don't see what I can become to wield these properly."

  Justis held his questions back; he had no desire to anger Tory. "I'm nearly ready," Tory said in the silence that followed. "Say the word and we'll go."

  * * *

  "Are you sure this is a good idea—going without Quin to guide us? She led us straight to Rath the last time," Ardis observed.

  "It's why they called her Finder when she lived here," Justis explained. "She can find things. Torevik assures me he can do much the same, using one of his talents. We will see how effective it is."

  "We could wait until Quin returns," Ardis began.

  "I want this usurper in custody tonight," Justis growled.

  * * *

  Avii Castle

  "A message from Commander Justis," a black-winged guard bowed to Jurris before handing the parchment to the Avii King.

  Jurris examined the seal on the rolled message, determining that it hadn't been tampered with. "Very good, that will be all," Jurris waved the guard away before cracking the seal.

  My King, the message began,

  My men and I have killed Fyrians when they attacked us, with no adverse effects. Liron either chose not to interfere, or supports us in our efforts. Tonight, we go in search of the usurper. The Prince has asked us to take him into custody rather than killing him and for now, I will honor that request.

  I ask that you search your private treasury for the weapons stored there by Camryn. It is my belief that they were transported to Fyris in the past. Even if your treasury is intact, other weapons of a similar nature have been found here and that should not be. The Larentii assisted in rendering them harmless, which is a welcome relief.

  Already we have in custody the one Quin spoke of—the one calling himself Yevil. He it was who had the weapons in his possession. We have discovered through evidence attached at the end of this message, that Treven fathered him. I hope this does not upset you, as he is directly responsible for Camryn and Elabeth's deaths.

  Your brother and Commander of the Guard,

  Justis.

  Affixed to the bottom of the message was a tiny, red feather. Jurris cursed and flung the message across his study.

  * * *

  Kondar

  Quin

  "Welcome," Edden Charkisul beamed at us the moment we were ushered into the entry of his residence. Berel wanted to run but chose to walk sedately toward his father, before Edden enveloped him in a warm embrace.

  I was grateful that such love existed between them. Grateful, too, that Edden had seen to Berel's education—he was impressive in his role as temporary Commander of the fleet anchored near Lironis.

  "Where are the others?" Edden asked when he and Berel stepped away from one another.

  "We are here, High President." I blinked in astonishment at the three who'd come.

  * * *

  Quin says Marid intends an attack of some sort, Kaldill sent to Ildevar as Ildevar gripped Edden's hand and offered polite greetings.

  The High President fears something as well, but his fear is less focused, Ildevar replied as he offered the gifts he'd brought with him—Tiralian crystal and ripe gishi fruit.

  Where did the Tiralian crystal come from? Kaldill asked.

  I have friends, Ildevar sent a mental laugh. Does Quin say when the attack might occur?

  I believe the attack is in flux—perhaps he is gathering his courage or his power. Reah believes he is aging, although he still appears young to most. Belancours have always been adept at illusion.

  With Reah here, his wizardry will be neutralized if he comes close enough, Ildevar pointed out. "This is my trusted advisor, Willem Drifft," Ildevar made the introduction aloud. "And this," he indicated his other companion, "is Kooper Griff, my security for the evening." Edden greeted both and then gestured for his guests to join him in the dining room.

  With Daragar here, Marid may as well give himself up before he starts. Kaldill said as they walked to the dining room with the others.

  The Larentii are wonderful when they're given permission to intervene, are they not?

  I believe the Wise Ones may have weighed in on this decision, Kaldill responded. Daragar's feelings for Quin play a part as well. He cares very much for her.

  Let us hope all goes well, then, and we capture Marid without bloodshed. Lissa wishes to speak with him most urgently.

  * * *

  Master Norwal, I sent mindspeech to the High President's Chief of Security, one of the High President's servers is a spy.

  "Quin?" Melis Norwal barely blinked as he turned in my direction. We'd already been served the first course, and I'd determined that the food was safe. The young man who looked uncomfortable in his uniform had drawn my attention immediately, and I knew he'd fed information to the Sector Two President and the one who called himself Marid.

  I mentally described our server to Melis as the young man in question walked out of the dining room. Melis was on his feet, reaching for his weapon when the assassins landed in the vestibule outside.

  * * *

  Fyris

  "Follow me," Tory said as he walked toward the army encampment. Makeshift tents and campfires dotted the landscape before Justis and his Black Wings as they followed cautiously behind Tory.

  Justis almost backed away when they were attacked by ten soldiers wielding blades; Tory changed before his eyes. Became taller. Black-scaled. His face flattened and horns appeared, curving around his ears and revealing sharp tips extending past his forehead. He had wings as well—similar to those a bat might have. Smoke drifted from his nostrils as the long swords he carried were drawn into his hands. Deftly handling both blades, Tory killed two attackers swiftly before the others backed away.

  The second attack was laughable when it came; three men died before another dozen chose to run from Torevik Rath's High Demon Thifilathi. The third attack was merely a gesture—one died while his companions raced away. After that, soldiers and commanders alike gave way as six black-winged men and one tall, bat-winged creature stalked through their camp toward the King's tent.

  Tamblin and a few personal guards stood outside the tent eventually, watching the seven approach. Tamblin's sword was in his hand but he trembled, whether with rage or fear, Justis cared not. This was the other half of his intended revenge—the second plotter in Elabeth and Camryn's deaths.

  He intended that they would pay for their crimes—when he could convince others that it should be so.

  "I name you murderer," Justis now strode beside Tory and pointed a finger accusingly at Tamblin. "Lay down your weapon and we will not hurt you—at Prince Amlis' request."

  "That bastard is no Prince," Tamblin hissed, shaking with rage. "He is not my son. Ask anyone."

  "He is your son," Tory breathed smoke, his voice low and guttural. "It has been verified scientifically. It is your mind that is weak, not your child."

  "Scientifically? What word is that?" Tamblin spat back. Tory, Justis and the others halted, barely four steps from Tamblin.

  "Something I doubt you'll ever understand," Tory replied, lifting one of his blades to rest the tip against Tamblin's throat. "Drop your weapons and you will not be h
armed."

  Tamblin's guards dropped their swords and pulled daggers from boots, letting them fall to the ground before stepping back with their hands raised.

  Tamblin refused to give up his sword.

  "Do you wish to do this, Commander Justis?" Tory turned to Justis, his dark eyes narrowing as he jerked his dark-scaled head in Tamblin's direction.

  Justis knew his own expression was locked in a furious snarl. "I wish it," he hissed. Before Tamblin could protest, Justis wrenched the sword from his hand, tossed it away and shoved the self-proclaimed king against the center pole of his tent. The angry Black Wing Commander then held Tamblin's arms ruthlessly behind his back so Ardis could shackle him.

  "This is what happens when your people see you as a tyrant," Justis hissed in Tamblin's ear before letting go.

  "We must go," Tory snapped suddenly. "I've received a message from Reah. Things are not going well in Kondar."

  * * *

  Official Report

  Kooper Griff, Director, Alliance Security Detail

  The meal was in progress; the Founder was deep in conversation with the Kondari High President, describing how the Alliance was formed and how it worked. Quin, the young woman previously listed as a witness, sent mindspeech to the High President's security chief, alerting him to the presence of a spy posing as one of our waiters.

  The security chief, Melis Norwal (also listed as a witness), stood to go after the suspect when Marid of Belancour arrived with Sector Two President Pragg (see attached list of Kondari rulers and politicians), a mute Sirenali and two others, all except the Sirenali heavily armed.

  Marid, head of household and chief wizard of the Belancour clan, held a ranos pistol, which I recognized quickly. He'd come prepared and armed, in case his wizardry didn't work against any of us. Reah Desh Silver, of High Demon ancestry and formerly an agent for the ASD (see records), prevented Marid's wizardry from having any effect and protected the rest of us in the dining hall with the neutralizing ability a High Demon possesses.

  Marid and his companions fired their weapons, then, never expecting that Daragar (a Larentii) would provide an impermeable shield to protect us. At that time, Marid discovered that he and the others with him were trapped—Reah kept him from using wizardry to escape and the Larentii placed a second shield to keep him from running away.