Downfall of the Curse

by Deborah Grace White

  “Are we on your lands now?” Lucy asked, as soon as the whole party had reached the other side safely.

  “Not yet,” said Rasad comfortably. “This stretch is part of the estate belonging to Lady Yasmin and Lord Yosef’s family.”

  Lucy noticed how his eyes flicked briefly to Cody when he said the noblewoman’s name, and she hid a frown. The Thoranian didn’t miss much. She could only hope he didn’t know about Lady Yasmin’s midnight visit to her suite.

  “My land consists of a small peninsula to the northeast of here,” Rasad was continuing. “It’s not far. We’ll be able to see the Bastion soon.”

  “The Bastion?”

  Rasad smiled. “It is a bit pretentious to give my home a name, isn’t it? But I’m very fond of the place.”

  Lucy just smiled, locking away the information that it had been Rasad, and not his ancestors, who had chosen such a fortress-like name. The approach to Rasad’s Bastion was an easy ride, the ground becoming flatter, with tufts of dry, brittle grass interrupting the endless sand. It wasn’t long before the Bastion itself came into view. Lucy was a little surprised to see that it had walls around it, almost like the palace in Thirl, although much less decorative.

  In fact, the whole place was less decorative. It was still built of the same sandstone, and still an interesting design by Kyonan standards. But it seemed built more for function than appeal. It did indeed look like a fortress that could be easily defended against attack. It didn’t say much for Rasad’s relationship with his neighbors, but after her interactions with Lady Yasmin, that wasn’t exactly news to Lucy.

  It was still morning when they entered through the heavy front gates of Rasad’s Bastion. The visitors were welcomed with every attention to their comfort, and Lucy was glad to be ushered into a pleasant suite in the same corridor as her brother and their guardian.

  It didn’t take her long to freshen up and unpack her belongings. In the process, she was distracted by Haydn’s journal. She had brought all her things from Thirl, including the slim leather book. She flicked through, looking for more references to Thorania. Toward the back of the volume, she saw the name of the kingdom, and stopped to read the whole entry.

  Today has brought a very unexpected arrival. Another former slave has joined us. Like me, he crossed back over after escaping into Thorania following the disaster with the ships. But he waited much longer than I did before returning to Balenol.

  Lucy paused to check the date of the entry, flicking back through the pages to compare it to the first time Haydn had written in the journal. She was surprised to see that almost two years had passed. He obviously hadn’t written very frequently for the journal to span so much time. She read on.

  He was once part of the resistance, like me, or he would never have found us. It is fortunate for him that we have taken up permanent residence here, at the furthest south of Alben’s old bases. He had tried a few of the other former strongholds first, and was weak and vulnerable by the time he reached us.

  I must confess I was suspicious at first, afraid he was some kind of spy. Why would he return after such a long time? But some of the others knew him in the resistance days, and they vouch for him. If I can’t trust my own community, I have nothing.

  He brings interesting news of Thorania. He has passed the majority of recent years in the capital of Thirl, eking out a living as best he can on the streets. His experience has been much the same as mine was, when I first reached Thorania with Isidore. No one was offering help, but neither was anyone looking to capture him, or return him to Balenol. The Thoranians are still determined to remain isolated from the issue, it seems.

  The most astonishing thing about his tale is that he brings news of Isidore. I never thought I would hear more of her fate, but apparently she is well known in Thorania now. She married him, as I knew she would, and they are making a stir together. I have no doubt she will achieve whatever she sets out to. She was always determined.

  In a way, she is the reason our newest member stayed so long in Thorania. He was amazed to see a Kyonan—a former slave, even—achieving such prominence in Thoranian society. He assumed that she would use her influence to attempt to get the Thoranians to take a stand, to help those of our countrymen still in slavery here.

  I could have set him straight. If that had been Isidore’s motivation, I would never have left Thorania. It would have broken my heart to stay and watch her attach herself to him, of course. But it would have been worth it if there had been some hope of helping our brothers and sisters.

  But there was never any hope of that. Not in her plans.

  It seems today’s arrival finally realized that, and so he returned. He isn’t like most of us, just wanting to survive. He’s as determined as Isidore herself, although with an entirely different purpose. He wants to revive the resistance. He thinks we can carry on what Alben started, even without any help from Thorania.

  We’re all unsettled since his arrival, but I wonder if he’s right. I’ve been thinking, as we all have, that there’s no point in liberating the rest when we can’t cross back to Kyona. But that’s because I didn’t believe we could really survive out here. I never could have imagined that we would do as well as we have. Our first jungle baby will turn two in a few months, and more have come since. We’re thinking of spreading to a second community, using another of the undiscovered hideouts as an additional base.

  What if we started using the hideouts close to Nohl? Would it really be so impossible to launch rescues from there? Would it really be so pointless to try to liberate others, even if all they could do is join us here? This life is hard, but at least we’re free.

  I will talk with our new arrival more tomorrow. I think many in the community will be hard to convince, but I want to hear more of his thoughts.

  It’s strange, after all this time, to be reminded of Isidore. Not that I’ve ever forgotten her, of course. But the heartbreak I felt when I first arrived here feels like a distant memory. I wish I could have seen more clearly when we were together, but I was too blinded by everything she was to me. It’s only after we parted that I’ve come to accept what I think I knew all along.

  From what we’ve heard today, it seems she is satisfied, or as satisfied as she is capable of being. I wish I could be glad of it. But I can’t be happy about the path she’s taken, and I don’t believe she’s happy herself. Not truly.

  I barely even felt a pang when I learned that she was married, as I suspected she would be by now. It’s strange how the heart heals. I was so dazzled by Isidore, by her intelligence, her beauty, her noble blood. Tara is unlike Isidore in every way. She doesn’t dazzle me, but I admire her character as I can no longer admire Isidore’s.

  Tara softens me. She works alongside me. She is sweet and gentle, and she has helped me heal. I smile to remember that we got to know each other when she came to me for teaching. She was the quickest in the group to learn to read and write. But in the end, she has taught me much more than I ever taught her.

  She has been incredibly patient with me. I didn’t realize I was waiting for it, but I think this news is the push I needed to see that the past no longer holds me captive.

  I will ask Tara tomorrow. We won’t be the first to do our own jungle version of a wedding ceremony, and I trust we won’t be the last. I would never have believed it was possible when the ship sank from underneath me, but somehow here I am. Not only alive, but excited about the future. The future we’ll build together.

  Lucy put the journal down, her thoughts captured by this latest insight into Haydn’s journey. She remembered how his grief and despair had touched her when she read his first entry, grieving over Isidore, and full of doubt for the future.

  In only two years he had not only forged a life for himself in the jungle, but his heart had so overcome its grief that he was eager to start a future with someone new.

  Lucy put her hand on the leather, trying to draw confidence from its pages. After months, she still felt mired in c
onfusion and heartbreak. But if Haydn could overcome it, surely she could as well. Time must be the key. She didn’t have to push her way through her emotions regarding Eamon. She just had to wait long enough for them to fade.

  Somehow, the thought brought her little comfort.

  Chapter Twenty-Five

  Lucy drew a deep breath, reveling in the freshness of the air as much as the incredible vista of ocean before her.

  “You can really breathe out here,” she said, flicking her braid over her shoulder.

  “Yes,” Rasad agreed with a chuckle. “The heaviness of the air in Nohl, and even in Thirl, does take some getting used to.”

  Lucy looked out over the water, crashing on the rocks far below the cliff. “It’s beautiful, isn’t it? I suppose we’re looking due north, aren’t we? Toward Valoria. I wish I’d spent more time by the sea, but my home is in Kyona’s north, a long way from the coast.”

  “Well, as you see, in our kingdom, the north is the coast,” said Rasad. “You are welcome to spend as much time here as you choose. You must try sea bathing while you’re here as well. It’s a sheer drop in this spot, but further along the coast there are some excellent swimming beaches.”

  Lucy didn’t respond, instead leaning down to pat the neck of the horse she was riding. It was a spirited little mare Rasad had selected from his own stable.

  “You want a gallop, don’t you?” she said to the horse. “Am I heavy and uncomfortable with this big saddle?”

  Rasad grinned. “She’s used to the saddle as well as to bareback riding.” He gave Lucy his most charming smile. “And I don’t think any saddle could make you heavy.”

  Lucy smiled absently. She was starting to understand her mother’s feelings. Compliments to her physical appearance were becoming less and less meaningful to her.

  “Do you know how to wield a bow?” Rasad asked suddenly.

  “Yes,” said Lucy. “I’ve received basic training in archery. Why do you ask?”

  Rasad’s eyes sparkled. “Did you know that Thorania is famous in the South Lands for our archery? The Balenans think they’re good archers, because it takes some skill to hunt in the jungle. But they’re not good horsemen. They don’t have the open space to let their poor mounts stretch their legs. In Thorania, we combine the two. It’s a shame you weren’t here a couple of months ago. Our annual horseback archery tournament is quite a sight to witness. People come from all over the South Lands to watch and to compete.”

  “Sounds fascinating,” said Lucy. “And difficult! I’ve never tried to shoot a bow from a horse, let alone a moving one.”

  “It takes a great deal of practice,” Rasad acknowledged. “And a certain amount of natural talent.” He tilted his head. “I could probably teach you the basics.”

  “That’s a kind offer,” said Lucy slowly. It occurred to her that it would take a lifetime to teach her and show her all the things Rasad had offered. And the attention he had been giving her since her arrival at his home a week before was making her suspect that he was hoping he might have a lifetime to do it.

  It had started with the gift of a garment like the one she’d worn to the gala, “because that one had suited her so well”, and continued from there. Lucy hadn’t wanted to accept any of it. But it was somehow much more difficult to say no while she was a guest in his home. There was an unspoken but undeniable increase in his authority, and it was becoming clear to Lucy that Cody had not erred when he said Rasad was used to power.

  For example, it hadn’t been her intention to spend time alone with the Thoranian, without her brother and Cody. And yet somehow—she wasn’t entirely sure how it had happened—she was spending the morning riding with him, while they were back at the Bastion.

  The trouble was, if she could ignore the feeling of discomfort in her stomach, it was all extremely pleasant. The gifts were tasteful, the attention was flattering, and the lifestyle was appealing. Rasad lived in luxury, there was no doubt about it. And he encouraged her every interest. If she did stay here, embrace this life, she would never have to choose between honing her fighting skills and making a favorable impression at court.

  She would have the means and the leisure to become skilled in any area where she had aptitude. She had already spent hours since arriving at Rasad’s Bastion training with a curved sword like the one Lady Yasmin had lent her. She was getting quite good with the weapon, and she knew she could get much better with more practice. She would be able to spend her days doing more or less whatever she liked. She could escape the heat by swimming in the ocean, she could learn to ride bareback, perhaps she could even learn to shoot a bow from a moving horse if she applied herself. She could travel the kingdom, see the mines where the precious jewels were found, see the spice fields in the south.

  And she would be able to attend as many galas as she liked. She could spend time in the captivating city of Thirl whenever the mood took her. She would have plenty of resources for beautiful clothing, and she would have a position of respect within the court without even trying. In so many ways, her life would be indescribably easy.

  Of course, there was the issue of whether she could trust Rasad. But if trust could be shattered even by people she’d known and relied on all her life, could it ever be certain?

  Lucy shook her head slightly, unnerved that such thoughts were even entering it. She looked up at the sky. “Should we head back? I suppose it will be time for the midday meal soon. And I’m sure you’re expected.”

  “Yes, of course,” said Rasad lightly, turning his horse toward home. “My steward is expecting me this afternoon.”

  Lucy nodded, keeping her thoughts to herself. Another thing that wasn’t lost on her was that there had been little sign of the apparently urgent business that had called Rasad away from Thirl in such a hurry. He had been so focused on the entertainment of his guests, that she couldn’t imagine he had spent any significant time on anything else.

  The uneasy feeling in her stomach grew, making her ashamed of her glittering thoughts about the luxury of Rasad’s life. She remembered how Rasad had appeared with his unexpected invitation while she had been sparring with Eamon, just after her bouts with Lady Yasmin.

  Was it possible he fabricated the summons to pull her away from Thirl for no other reason than that he’d heard a report that she was speaking with the Thoranian noblewoman? Lady Yasmin had said that Rasad wouldn’t want Lucy talking to her. And his instinct wasn’t wrong—the noblewoman had wasted no time in sharing her suspicions about Rasad with Lucy. But it was surely a big gamble to take. If Lucy had declined the invitation, Rasad would have had to leave without her, giving Lady Yasmin open access in his absence.

  Unless he was so sure of her already that he had never doubted her answer. Lucy’s face burned as she followed Rasad along the top of the cliff.

  It was with relief that she saw Cody and Matheus waiting for them as soon as they entered the Bastion.

  “Pleasant ride?” Cody asked, a hint of menace in his voice.

  Lucy sighed. It hadn’t been her idea to leave her guardian behind, but she couldn’t exactly say so in front of Rasad.

  “Very pleasant,” she said. “Let’s go together soon. It’s an incredible view of the sea.”

  Cody’s eyes searched her face, but he said no more. When they all reconvened for the meal, he made a point of sitting next to her. Lucy wanted to be exasperated by the protective gesture, but the truth was she felt grateful. Even with her doubts, Rasad’s presence was as magnetic as it had always been, and she felt overwhelmed by the constancy of his attention.

  “How did you spend your morning?” Rasad asked Cody and Matheus, as the food was served. A serving boy brought a steaming dish for Rasad’s inspection. The advisor flicked his hand impatiently, and the boy scurried back out of the room, bearing the dish with him.

  “Your steward gave us quite an extensive tour of the Bastion,” said Cody, his face expressionless as he ripped a piece of some type of flat bread that had been placed o
n his plate. “I must say, you have an impressive armory for a private residence.”

  “Ah yes,” Rasad chuckled. “My forebears were a little paranoid, I think.”

  “About what?” Cody pressed. “I thought that Thorania hadn’t seen war in centuries.”

  Lucy shot him a look. It had been Lady Yasmin who had told them that.

  “That’s true,” said Rasad comfortably. “King Abner’s foreign policy is not new. He follows a long tradition from his predecessors.”

  “What policy is that?” Matheus asked curiously.

  “Thorania prefers to isolate itself from the affairs of other kingdoms,” Rasad said, his voice smooth.

  The thought sparked Lucy’s memory, bringing to mind the comment in Haydn’s journal about Thorania’s determination to remain isolated from the issue of Balenol’s slave trade.

  “We have not traditionally involved ourselves in any disputes or relations between our neighbors,” Rasad was continuing. “Either here in the South Lands or further afield.”

  “You’re talking about the conflict between Balenol and Kyona,” said Cody flatly, his thoughts clearly going in a similar direction to Lucy’s. “How Thorania never took a side on the slave issue.”

  Rasad regarded the Kyonan man steadily. If he felt any discomfort over discussing the topic with a former slave, he showed no hint of it. “Among other things, certainly. But the policy of isolation has had many applications.” He returned his attention to his food. “Still, just because that’s the way it has been, doesn’t mean it must always continue that way. I have hopes that change is coming to Thorania.”

  “What kind of change?” Lucy asked slowly. “It’s a little late for Thorania to get involved in the slavery debate, don’t you think?”