She snorted again. “I’d just as soon dice with a demon.”
“There is no such thing as a demon.”
Her brow arched. “Are you so sure? Have you not seen a few things you thought could not exist?”
“Good point.”
The woman’s blue eyes settled on Quinn. Despite standing over a half-head taller than Tenzi, Quinn experienced a rare moment of self-doubt when staring into those eyes – as if Quinn’s own steel gaze was directed back toward her.
“This is the girl?”
Delvin nodded. “Yes.”
The woman extended a hand toward Quinn. “I’m Captain Tenzi. Welcome aboard.”
Quinn shook the woman’s hand and found a firm grip. “Thank you. I’m…”
“Names aren’t necessary,” Tenzi interrupted and then turned toward Delvin, gesturing toward the bow. “Your usual cabin is ready. The one across the hall is for the girl.”
Delvin waved for Quinn to follow while sailors scurried about the deck, preparing the ship. She looked up as the first rays of morning light struck the top of the main mast. My first time sailing on a ship, Quinn thought, and I have no idea where I’m going or what I am to do when I get there.
Quinn pulled the door open to the sound of the surf. She climbed the stairs and emerged on the deck to find the rising sun split by a dark slice of distant land. A long stripe of reflecting sunlight rippled in waves between the ship and land, forcing her to squint. With her hand above her brow, she scanned the horizon and found nothing in all directions save for the slice of land to the east.
“Good morning.”
She turned to find Delvin approaching with a biscuit in one hand, a metal cup in the other.
“The galley is open if you wish to grab some food.” He popped a chunk of biscuit into his mouth. “Mmm.” He chewed and swallowed. “Warm biscuits with honey – a good way to start the day.”
As Delvin took a drink from the cup, Quinn looked toward the bow, the rising sun, and the land mass ahead. Shouting arose as Tenzi issued orders from the quarterdeck.
“We are coming into enemy waters! Raise the flag! Take down the false name!”
The captain now wore a bright red vest, easy to spot from a distance. Quinn wondered at Tenzi’s odd commands, so she turned to ask Delvin.
“What does she mean by ‘false name’?”
Delvin smiled. “Follow me.”
He turned as a man walked past, armed with a sword at his hip and dressed in a sleeveless leather jerkin. The man held a long black cloth in his hand as he headed toward the main mast. Quinn stared at the man while she walked to the starboard rail, watching as he tucked the cloth into his jerkin and began to scale the mast. When she reached the rail, she found Delvin leaning over it. She slid in beside him and turned toward the bow where he pointed.
A woman had slid beneath the lowest cross-rail and was detaching something from the side of the ship. A small board came loose, and a longer one joined it, revealing what lay beneath. Quinn stared intensely as she tried to read the word from the odd angle.
“Razor?”
“Yes,” Delvin said. “The other name, Star Razer, is just a persona – not dissimilar from the ones you have developed.”
She turned toward him, thinking. “Why keep a ship undercover?”
“Because this persona, as Razor, is a pirate ship…or at least pretends to be one.”
“Pretends?”
“We are moving into enemy waters. Transporting you is not this ship’s only mission. Tenzi, also known as Red Viper, has been terrorizing trade ships in the east for some time now, acting as a thorn in the side of this upstart Empire.”
“Why the subterfuge?”
He looked toward the quarterdeck, staring at the woman at the helm. “As pirates with no apparent political affiliation, Tenzi and Parker can upset the workings of the Empire without giving them cause for war. At least, that is the plan.”
Nodding, Quinn considered the idea. “So, they are causing the enemy pain while not risking anyone but themselves.”
“Precisely.”
The sailor who had altered the vessel’s name walked past them – a rough-looking woman with short hair and a Custos rune on her forehead. Quinn frowned in thought. She had expected a Nauticus rune like she had seen on other sailors in the past…like the one on Tenzi’s forehead. Pieces began to come together, forming a picture that created another question.
“Who is she?”
“Tenzi?”
“Yes. Not only her…Parker and the rest of the crew as well. They appear to be fighters as much as sailors. The guise of the ship and their willingness to cause the Empire harm for the greater good…”
“Yes. You see it, now.” Delvin stared at a seabird, circling overhead before diving toward the water. Moments later, the bird emerged with a fish in its beak, shook its head once, and swallowed it whole. “Tenzi is a tough woman. She and Parker have been together for a long time. Tenzi was in charge of the Kalimar Navy before the kingdom was conquered. Some might know her as Admiral Thanes, although Thanes is Parker’s last name and not her own.”
“Are they married?”
“Not that I know of. They have a…complicated relationship. I would term them as companions and even partners, but I don’t think they ever took the vows.”
“And now, they are pirates?”
“Sort of. They act as pirates, but operate under the direction and support of ICON. Although he would never publicly admit it, using this vessel and its crew was King Brock’s idea. For all I know, there may be others. This was the one ship I was offered to use for missions and it is all I know.”
“Speaking of missions, can you finally tell me where we’re headed? We’ve been sailing for two days, and I’ve seen nothing but water until now.”
Delvin tilted his head and arched his brow, as if considering her request. Finally, he nodded. “Yes. Knowing now will do you no harm. In fact, you’ll need the next few days to prepare yourself.”
She glanced toward the bow again and found the land taking shape as the sun slid above it. “Days? That land can’t be more than a half day away.”
“True. What you see ahead is the west coast of Kalimar. We must sail around the peninsula to the Sol Mai Ocean, for our port is in Vinacci.”
“Vinacci?”
“Come.”
He led her toward the bow and sat on the circular bench at the base of the foremast. Quinn sat beside him with her elbows on her knees. Delvin took a drink from his cup, emptying it before turning toward her.
“I don’t keep secrets to torture you.”
“I know.”
“I do it for your protection…and for the sake of the mission.”
“I know that as well.”
“Good.” He patted her shoulder. “Before I explain your mission, I must explain what we are up against.
“It is not commonly known, but a secret sect called The Hand ran the Ministry before the Empire’s collapse. These people are fanatics. They despise Chaos and see the use of such magic as an abomination. They are the force that kept Unchosen as outcasts while claiming that Issal determined those poor peoples’ fate. In truth, labeling those who had the ability to wield Chaos as Unchosen was a means to prevent the return of the magic. That is why the Ministry created the vocation runes they used to dictate the lives of empire citizens. Those who lacked a rune lacked the education and access to information that might help them discover their abilities. I believe that The Hand hoped that those capable of magic would just die out and fade from existence.”
Quinn turned the information over in her head and thought of her friends who would have suffered under such laws. Anger at such treatment began to boil inside her until Delvin reclaimed her attention.
“As you know, Vinacci’s king died a few years back and a council took over to rule in his stead,” Delvin said. “We have determined that The Hand was behind the king’s death and their people were who replaced him to rule Vinacci.
“As you might suspect, their ambition did not stop there. A few years later, they attacked eastern Hurnsdom, splitting the kingdom in half as they brought the eastern coast under their rule. Emboldened by their success, and backed by a secret weapon, they turned their sights on Kalimar. Their territory now extends from the southern tip of the Kalimar peninsular, to Yarth, the entirety of Vinacci, and eastern Hurnsdom. These people have taken away lands by force, have outlawed the use of Chaos in those lands, and have turned to persecuting anyone capable of the magic. This is our enemy…one who we understand far less than they understand us. We need information. We need to know what they plan and how we can stop them. Are you with me thus far?”
“Yes.”
While she had known some of what the man said, his story painted the picture more clearly, filling in the gaps and fleshing out the scene.
Delvin pointed east. “Our destination is Vinata. There, you will stay a night at an inn, much like the one in Wayport. From that point on, you will be on your own.
“Glynnis, the most recent persona you developed, was for a reason. You will assume the identity of a lady’s maid, journeying to Sol Polis with Vinata just a stop along the way.”
Quinn’s brow furrowed. “If I’m heading to Sol Polis, why not just sail there now? We could be there in a few hours.”
“Perception and detail are critical to success in these things. Your story as Glynnis, requires her arriving from the road that leads to Port Hurns, where she worked for Baron Rimini before he was deposed last summer. After a year of working for a local merchant, your uncle, Weldon Mor, sent you to work at the citadel in Sol Polis.
“You see, a serving position on the citadel staff has recently opened, and you are traveling to the city to fill this role. While working there, you will watch and listen as our eyes and ears. Get close to the Archon, discover what the Empire is planning, and unearth any secrets we might use against them should it come to war.”
The thump of Quinn’s heartbeat pounded in her ears and combined with the rush of the surf. An unexpected anxiety filled her as she realized that her training was at an end. She would be on a mission in a foreign land, surrounded by enemies, and alone. Very much alone.
26
Stolen Kisses
A gust of wind ruffled Everson’s hair as he climbed off the ladder and onto the tower roof. He looked to the north and found dark clouds beyond the grey mountain peaks. The temperature had dropped dramatically since morning. Buttoning the last few buttons on his coat to keep the wind at bay, he walked toward the north edge of the roof. As he moved past the pyramid of glass at the center, he found another person standing along the four-foot wall that encircled the rooftop. He didn’t need her to turn to know it was Rena. Everson would recognize those auburn curls anywhere.
He walked toward her, and she turned toward him.
“I didn’t expect to find anyone else up here,” he said.
She gave him a sad smile. “Hello, Everson. I came up here…to think.”
The tone of her voice matched the lack of joy in her smile. Sensing her sadness, the question on his mind remained unsaid.
Everson settled beside her with his elbows on the wall. He was happy just to be near Rena, to share a moment with her as he drank in the scenery. As always, the view of the valley was breathtaking, more so now that the leaves had begun to change color and left the hillsides covered in yellows, oranges, and reds to go with the deep green of the pines.
Below them was the Ward Training Yard, boxed in by a wall a mile deep. Two people were pushing a flying machine from the corner storage shed to the gravel path that ran adjacent to the wall. It was the first machine that received Everson’s modifications, but they had lacked a pilot to test it until today. The wait to see the result had been gnawing at him for weeks.
“Petra agreed to test the flyer that Ivy, Henrick, and I modified.”
Rena gave him a sad smile, “That’s nice.”
The two people pushing the flyer stopped and moved away. Petra, the smaller figure who had been walking behind the flyer, moved beside it and climbed in. Everson gripped the wall as anticipation took ahold of him.
“I hope she remembers what I told her,” he said to himself.
The blades mounted to the wings began to spin, the buzz reaching the rooftop. With a lurch, the flyer began to speed down the road until it caught air, cleared the top of the wall, and turned to circle over the training yard. Up and up it went as Petra guided it toward the tower where Everson waited. When the flyer approached the tower, she dipped and turned, waving to Everson as she sped past. Petra whooped in joy as she banked again, circled around the west side of the tower, and flew toward the south end of the valley. In moments, she was miles away.
“It worked,” Everson said. “Chaos conduction not only eliminates the need to pedal, but it makes the flyer faster – far faster with the added augmentations to the flyer components.”
He turned toward Rena and found her grinning. “That’s wonderful, Ev.”
Unable to resist, he smiled in return. “Thank you, Rena.”
Her eyes lowered to her feet. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t let my problems get in the way of our friendship.”
“Is there anything I can do?”
“No. Not really. Torney and I had a fight. It isn’t a big deal.”
“A fight?”
“Yes. He volunteered to go on a mission with Jonah, Chuli, and Thiron.”
“Jonah’s leaving?”
Rena looked up, her eyes meeting his. “I’m sorry. I…should have let him tell you. Please don’t say anything.”
“Don’t worry. I won’t,” he replied. “I assume you don’t approve of his leaving?”
“When we agreed to join ICON, he and I also agreed that we would remain at the Ward. There is plenty for us to do here with a long list of Infusion augmentations for smart people like you. In addition, there is healing to be done and the possible need to help defend the complex should we ever fall under attack.”
Everson nodded. “True. Did he say why he volunteered to leave?”
She turned away and leaned against the wall, the north wind blowing her hair backward like auburn tendrils of the finest cloth. Her beauty again struck Everson.
“He claims he is bored and he wants to help at the front.”
“The front?”
She shook her head. “I shouldn’t say anything.”
“Rena. It’s me.” He gripped her hand. “You know you can trust me.”
A smiled crossed her face, this one laced with honest joy. “I know. If there is anyone I can always count on, it’s you.”
She squeezed his hand back, hers feeling warm compared to the cool wind. The heat from years of longing stirred inside Everson, and his pulse began to thump in his ears. He stared into her sparkling green eyes and felt them drawing him in, her pink lips pulling him toward her. After a lifetime struggling with his insecurities, he thought of Quinn’s brave nature and allowed his sister’s strength to push him toward boldness. Everson darted forward, his lips meeting Rena’s as he poured his emotion into the kiss. It lasted for a moment before she jerked backward with a gasp. He immediately realized he had crossed a line uninvited.
“I’m sorry.” He blurted.
She shook her head. “No. Don’t be sorry, Ev. I…I value your friendship and I love you, but like a brother…not in the other way.”
In her eyes, Everson saw something he had never seen in them before. Pity. It crushed him. He swallowed and blinked repeatedly at the tears that blurred his vision. He turned away and began walking back toward the ladder. After a few steps, he stopped and spoke over his shoulder, unwilling to look at her.
“Please forget this happened.” He wiped his cheeks dry with the back of his sleeve. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”
Everson resumed his walk toward the ladder as thunder boomed in the distance, as if Issal himself were laughing at him.
With a grunt, Everson pulled on
the wrench. It broke loose from the bolt, and his fingers struck the metal frame. He cried out in pain and sat up with his fingers in his mouth.
“Are you all right?” Ivy asked, her face reflecting concern.
He grimaced. “I’ll survive.”
Rising to his feet, Everson walked away from the steam carriage. The project was coming along well, but he found no joy in it. Thoughts of Rena kept seeping in, his damaged heart poisoning the passion he normally experienced when working on an invention.
He rested his hands on a workbench and stared at his torn knuckles, the pale skin peeled up. The exposed flesh made him think of how he had exposed his heart to Rena two days prior. He couldn’t face her now, not with the stolen kiss as a wedge between them. The thought of not being able to talk to her hurt him more than restraining his desire all those years.
“Everson?”
He turned and found Ivy standing behind him. “You’ve hardly spoken all day. We’ve been working together for hours, and each time I try to talk to you, you grunt or offer a single word answer before falling silent.” Her eyes were pleading. “Please, tell me what’s wrong. Is it something I did?”
“No.” He shook his head. “It has nothing to do with you.”
“So, there is something.”
A frown crossed his face as he realized what he said. There was no avoiding it now. “I’ll get over it. I just need…some time.”
She brushed her dark hair back and tucked it behind her ear. “I can give you time. Just know that you can talk to me about anything. I’m always here for you.”
Despite his mood, a smile crossed his face. “I know. You are the best. I don’t know what I would do without you.”
“Do you mean that?”
“Yes. Of course.”
“What if I made you angry?”
He shook his head. “You have a good heart. You are compassionate and caring. There is almost nothing that could make me think badly of you, or change things between us.”
“Good.”
An odd look came across her face as she took a deep breath, her brown eyes locked with Everson’s. Ivy lifted her hands to his cheeks, her palms gripping them as she pulled his head toward hers, and she kissed him.
The Arcane Ward Page 18
