by Matthew Ward
Azyra bowed low before Arianwyn, and simultaneously raised their clasped hands to her lips, much in the same way Torev had done the previous day. Another attempt at mimicking mortal behaviour, or was something else going on?
Arianwyn, clearly unsettled, withdrew her hand as quickly as was politely possible. "May I present Lord Karov?" She half-turned to the other councillor, whose face was a study in barely-concealed outrage. "If any one person speaks for the council, it is he."
It was a generous statement, and seemed to mollify Karov as much as it surprised him. "Lady Trelan exaggerates. I merely give the other councillors the benefit of my experience."
"Indeed?" the serathiel asked. "I had thought to bring your leader to Skyhaven for discussions. Our way of rule is through a single, clear voice, and I had hoped to find the same here. I would not wish to disrupt your republic by spiriting away as many as are present here."
"That needn't be necessary," said Karov. "I believe the council would approve of a small delegation?" A ripple of agreement swept through the room. "I volunteer to lead negotiations, and would suggest Councillor Magorian act as my assistant. As for who else should come, Lord Orova perhaps, or Lady Antilla?" He gestured to his nominees. "Both are of sound mind, and pleasant company, I assure you."
That wasn't good. Karov sought to ensure the only Tressians aboard Skyhaven were his cronies. Alas, I couldn't easily interfere. It would have to be Arianwyn, or one of the other councillors.
Or, apparently, the serathiel.
"I would like the opportunity to speak with Lady Trelan further," Azyra said. The words were not a request, but an expression of her will.
"I'd be honoured," said Arianwyn, before Karov had chance to speak.
"Then it is decided," said Azyra. "Three is enough for now. But I assure you the gates of Skyhaven will soon be open to all."
"Before we go with you," Karov said, at last asking something he should have much earlier, "we require certain assurances about our safety – especially in light of events at Salkard."
"No one feels the pain of Salkard more deeply than I," Azyra said in a flat, hard voice. "The perpetrator is bound over to await justice." She went on more softly. "I give you my word no harm will befall. Bring as many guards as you wish, if that will make your mind rest easier."
Karov stared past Azyra to the two graces, perhaps calculating how many praetorians would be required to defeat even one such creature. "Your willingness to allow such a thing will stand as sufficient surety," he said smoothly. "Do we leave now?"
"I see no reason to delay. Though perhaps you will want to consult with your fellows before we depart."
Her piece said, Azyra moved away, and there was sudden commotion as several councillors rose and huddled around Karov, Arianwyn and Magorian.
Turning her back on the Tressians, Azyra glided serenely in my direction. "Ambassador Saran. I trust your journey here was less trying than the one that brought you to us in the first place?"
"Much less eventful, serathiel." I gestured to Emmeline. "May I introduce Miss Emmeline Orova, my bodyguard."
Emmeline bobbed a polite curtsey, and Azyra nodded in acknowledgement. "Tell me, Edric Saran, what has become of our other two guests. Was not one of them also your bodyguard?"
"They've returned to the Empire, to bring word of your coming." I doubted Calda's words, in particular, would be much to Azyra's liking.
"I see. You will, of course, be coming to Skyhaven with the representatives of the council?"
"I would be delighted to. May Emmeline join us?"
"Not at this time, I think. You have no need of protection amongst the serathi. I think I should discuss the terms of alliance before we throw open Skyhaven's gates to all and sundry. I mean no offence, my child."
Emmeline did not reply at first, flustered at being directly addressed. "Whatever you think best, milady."
I'd thought our conversation unmarked by the others in the room, but it seemed Magorian had been listening. "Is it proper that the Hadari ambassador be present during negotiations concerning only Tressia?"
Azyra turned to face him, her face unreadable. "I am not sure I understand. It sounded very much like you just requested that I bar my chosen emissary from Skyhaven. Surely that cannot be so?"
Even after all my experiences with the serathi, I'd difficultly telling if Azyra was genuinely confused or was suggesting the Tressian had overstepped his bounds. Magorian, I was sure, had no chance of divining the her mind. After a moment of squirming – which was an absolute joy to watch – he took the only safe option and offered a deep bow. "My apologies, serathiel. I must have misinterpreted the situation."
Azyra's expression remained blank. "Your intent was plain, and you are forgiven."
*******
Shortly after, short procession filed from the palace. The serathiel and her graces strode at its head, with Arianwyn, Magorian, Karov and I close behind. Further back came Emmeline and many of the other councillors, who may not have been permitted to travel to Skyhaven that day, but were determined to see as much of what occurred as possible.
The square was a touch more crowded, and a lot louder. With the arrival of the serathi, hushed awe had transformed into celebration, and most of those Tressians who hadn't joined the devout in song were now cheering. Things were still orderly enough. It seemed the constables and praetorians – now reinforced by scores of Torev's soldiers, had little trouble keeping the crowds back.
Six graces stood in the centre of the square. Their backs lay to a large archway formed of the same golden stone as Skyhaven's buildings, their expressionless masks facing towards the crowds. If the arch and the plinth upon which is stood were as sturdy as they looked, transporting it would have been no mean feat, even for serathi. As I drew closer, I glimpsed the spires and domes of Skyhaven through the archway, though they were yet far above my head.
"This is a stepping gate," Azyra announced. "I ordered it brought from Skyhaven so you would not suffer the indignity of being borne to our city like babes. These graces will guard the entrance on this occasion, but it is my hope that your own warriors might take over that duty in the coming days."
*******
I'd worried that the journey through the stepping gate might provoke the same nausea as the one through the Farsight, but it seemed I needn't have worried. One moment I was in Tressia – a step later I was in one of Skyhaven's glorious courtyards – it was as simple as that.
Perhaps a dozen serathi awaited us on the far side, though I recognised none of them. Was Adanika still searching for Elynna, or did she just not want to involve herself in this affair? Six graces stood on this side too, but these faced inwards, vigilant for anyone who might come through uninvited. There were drudges too, a dozen in all. They stood around the courtyard's perimeter, possibly a second layer of defence against intrusion, possibly a mark of respect for the serathiel's guests.
Azyra spread her arms wide. "Welcome to Skyhaven."
The buildings and gardens shone gloriously in the sunlight. Was that why Azyra had brought Skyhaven so low over the city? By bringing us through the overshadowed stepping gate, the serathiel had literally brought the councillors out of darkness and into light – a powerful metaphor. Either I was terribly suspicious, or Azyra was a lot more calculating than I'd given her credit for. Or perhaps both were true...
Karov began a speech – something statesmanlike and forgettable, so I ignored him and peered closely at the nearest drudge. "Edina, is that you?"
[[It is, Master Edric. I am glad to see you again.]]
"And I you. May I introduce Lady Arianwyn Trelan?"
Arianwyn, who was paying Karov no more attention than I, smiled a greeting at the drudge, but her expression remained troubled.
Edina cocked her head. [[My apologies, Mistress Arianwyn, I had not thought that my appearance would worry you. I am but a servant, and quite harmless.]]
"There's no need to apologise," Arianwyn assured her. "You haven't startle
d me. You remind me of a very dear friend. Her name is Zorya. Perhaps you know her?"
[[I do not, Mistress Arianwyn. But I am glad to make your acquaintance.]]
Arianwyn and Edina talked a little while longer, but I heard little of it. My attention was on one of the graces at Azyra's side who, at the moment Zorya's name was mentioned, glanced at Arianwyn. It might have been nothing, or it might have been a sign that at least one of the serathi remembered Zorya. I couldn't help but interpret something sinister into that sightless attention, and resolved to caution Arianwyn about speaking too freely of the missing sentinel.
Karov had at last finished speaking, and Azyra addressed the group again. "I promised friendship. I promised justice for Salkard. At the Courts of Heaven, you shall have both." The ground trembled. "I have ordered Skyhaven retake its place amidst the clouds. Now the stepping gate is in place, we have no further need to impose upon your city."
There never had been such a need – the serathi could have carried the stepping gate down at any time. Mooring Skyhaven over the palace had been a display of strength, nothing more.
"Serathiel, may I make a suggestion?" I asked, recalling a promise made last time I'd been on Skyhaven.
"Always, Ambassador Saran." Azyra's eyes glinted in warning.
"The councillors are new to Skyhaven. I thought perhaps they might benefit from seeing more of your home before talks begin in earnest?"
"An excellent idea. You must forgive me, councillors. I have long since forgotten the glories of my home, surrounded by them as I am every day. Isari..." Azyra gestured to a blonde serathi standing at her left, "...will show you anything you wish to see, then bring you to the Courts of Heaven when you are ready. Until later?" With a beat of her wings, Azyra took to the air.
A heartbeat later all of the serathi followed, save for Isari."If you will follow me?" she asked politely.
I cleared my throat, earning an evil look from Magorian. "Actually, I'd like to show Lady Trelan around myself, if that would be permitted."
Isari's brow furrowed. "I am sure the serathiel would not look disapprovingly on this request, so nor shall I."
Karov, clearly suspicious Arianwyn was receiving preferential treatment, opened his mouth to object, but closed it again when Isari spoke again. "If you will accompany me, councillors? I confess I am looking forward to the opportunity to learn more of the world below. It has been too many years since I spent much time there."
Appeased by Isari's interest, Karov followed the serathi northward from the courtyard, Magorian at his heels.
"Would you come with us, Edina?" I asked the drudge. "I know Skyhaven reasonably well, but I'm a little worried about getting lost."
[[Of course, Master Edric. My duties permit this. Do you wish to lead the way, or shall I?]]
"I will. At least for now."
*******
All in all, we walked the paths of Skyhaven for a little more than an hour. I remembered the routes far better than I'd imagined I would, even when the paths were briefly hidden as Skyhaven passed upwards through the clouds, and had to call upon Edina's guidance only twice. The rest of the time, she was content to allow Arianwyn and myself some privacy, and walked a dozen paces behind.
"It's very beautiful," Arianwyn told me, as we walked beneath a vine-entwined bower, "but I don't see why we didn't accompany the others."
"So you prefer Karov's company over mine?"
She linked her arm through mine. "You know I don't. But I know you too well not to know you're up to something. What's going on, Edric?"
"Nothing," I lied. Finally, I'd caught sight of what I was looking for. Away to my left, under cover of the trees, another path paralleled ours and I could make out a shadowy figure moving along it. "Would you wait here a moment? There's something I must attend to. Edina will look after you."
"Edric..."
"Two minutes, I promise, and you'll have your answers."
Arianwyn scowled, but nodded. I turned and set off into the tree line at a brisk pace. I found Koschai shortly after, his hands knotted pensively behind his back. I'd worried he'd be filthy from another attempted repair, but such was not the case.
"Well, she's here," I said quietly. "This is what you wanted."
"I know." He smiled sadly. "She could be no one else, she looks just like Karah. I'm not sure I'm ready to do this."
So torn did the older man appear that my last suspicion about him being an imposter almost vanished in that moment. Almost. "I don't think this is the kind of moment you can ever be prepared for. You just have to take the opportunity before you." I shrugged. "If you don't, you should be aware that I won't hesitate to haul you over there."
He chuckled under his breath. "I'd like to see you try. Let us be about the matter." He paused. "However this goes, my boy, thank you."
Arianwyn was sat down and deep in conversation with Edina when Koschai and I approached, but she broke off as soon as we entered the circle of benches. "Edric? You promised two minutes..." Her gaze fell upon Koschai for the first time. "Who is this?"
At first appraisal, Arianwyn's words were proof that the man I knew as Koschai was not who he said he was, and it took a conscious effort not to place my hand on my sword. But it had been years since she'd seen him last, and the memory was strange thing.
"Look again," I suggested.
Arianwyn shot me a querulous look, but did as I asked. A heartbeat later, recognition dawned. It couldn't have been anything else. Her whole face shifted – no, her whole body shifted – tensing and relaxing as surprise and joy swept through her.
"Father? Father, is that you?" Her voice shook as she rose.
"It is, my child," Koschai said, his voice thick with emotion. "I'm sorry I've been away so long."
"Father..." Arianwyn flew into his welcoming arms and buried her tear-stained face into his shoulder. "I knew you were alive," she whispered. "No one else would believe, but I knew."
"It doesn't matter now," Koschai said, gently stroking the back of her head. "It doesn't matter at all."
I reflected that this moment alone had made the day worthwhile. I watched a while longer, moved almost to tears myself by the evident joy of the reunion. Then, beckoning to Edina, I set off down the path again, and left father and daughter alone.
Six
After asking Edina if she knew where I could find Adanika – and receiving an apologetic 'no' as an answer – I decided the best thing to do would be to rejoin Karov and Magorian.
By the time I reached them, they were being shown the wonders of the Farsight. The platform was all but empty, with only Isari and a single grace present. The latter had presumably been set there as a guard, but I wasn't sure whether this was a common arrangement, or one contrived to ensure the Tressians didn't make mischief.
Isari gave me a brief nod of welcome as my escort set me on the Farsight platform, but neither councillor seemed to notice my presence. They were two intrigued by the wonders of the Farsight itself, and were asking Isari all manner of questions. How did it work? Could the magic be replicated? Could Tressia expect to receive a similar device as a gesture of friendship? Isari made a great many polite replies but, in true serathi fashion, few were answers – rather, they were merely statements that continued the flow of conversation.
I listened with growing amusement as Karov and Magorian sought any kind of definitive reply out of Isari, and smiled as each attempt failed. They pressed on undeterred, still seeking to unlock the truth from Isari's lips long after I would have given the matter up. Then again, the councillors were politicians, and well used to speaking – and hearing – words with very little in the way of meaning. Perhaps to them this chase was more fulfilling than the prize tantalised at its end.
Ultimately, the councillor's patience expended, Isari led us away down towards the gardens. I think we'd passed through no less than three of the golden gates before Karov even noticed that I was there.
"I didn't realise that you'd rejoined us, Ambassador Sar
an." His brow knotted in puzzlement. "Where is Lady Trelan?"
Like you care, I thought, and felt immediately ashamed. I knew Karov cared about Arianwyn – it was one of the main reasons he disliked me. He just couldn't understand why she had spurned him, a man of vision and destiny, but had embraced a shiftless heathen like myself.
"There's no need for alarm," I said. "She's amongst friends."
"As are we all, I should think," Magorian put in, with a sly smile.
"Indeed," echoed Karov. There was still concern in his voice, but the answer seemed to calm him. In any event, I wasn't about to tell him more. The reunion of father and daughter wasn't mine to disclose.
After a time, we moved on from the Farsight and down into the city proper. The back and forth between Isari and the two councillors grew repetitive, so instead, I lost myself in the murals and the stories they told. I saw again the tale I'd first taken to be one of redemption – of the black-robed man transformed into white – but which I now knew to echo a drudge's creation. I recognised too a depiction of the young Radiant alongside her older counterpart, and wondered again whether it was prophecy or history. Other scenes took on a fresh significance from when I'd been there last: a battle with a giant being of flame that could only have been a balnoth, and the representation of a shadowy army assailed by fire from the heavens.
"You have returned quicker than I would have liked, Edric Saran."
I turned to see Adanika regarding me from a short distance away. She sat on a waist-high wall, idly petting a cat whose fur was a good match for her own white plaits. The animal seemed to tolerate the attention, rather than welcome it, but remained anyway, doubtless content that it could leave any time it wished.
"I'm pleased to see you too, Adanika," I said drily. "As it happens, the timing was not mine, but the serathiel's."
"I did not say it was your fault. I meant only that it was unfortunate."
I shot a glance at Karov and Magorian, but they were still engrossed in their verbal fencing with Isari. "What do you mean? What is it you're not telling me?"
