“That bastard!” Phynis hissed, her eyes narrowing as she clenched her fists. “I expected as much, but to have it confirmed like this…!”
“Agreed. What he’s done is against all Guild rules, and undermines everything we’ve done for centuries. I promise, we would have done everything we could to stop him had we known,” Albert told her firmly.
Meeting his eyes, Phynis took a moment to calm herself and force her hands to unclench. “So what is your Guild going to do now? You’re at least partially responsible for what happened.”
“What I’d like to do is to promise the full weight of my Guild to hunt down Sorvos. Unfortunately, I can’t do that. The nature of the Guild rules prohibits me from forcing them into a fight like this, though I can authorize them to actually participate in the conflict between Beacon and Kelvanis,” Albert replied, running a hand through his hair as he let out a breath of frustration. “You’ll have my support as well, but the problem is what I learned about Ulvian. He was a powerful mage even then, and none of us are his equal here. Oh, we might be able to beat him if the entire Guildhouse descended on him at once, but that’s no guarantee. That means I’m waiting for the other Guildmasters to prepare a strike team to deal with a traitor of his power. It could take as much as a month for them to find the people, then they have to get here.”
“I see. So, you’re saying we’d have to wait for something like three months before your Guild can properly contribute to killing Ulvian?” Phynis asked, considering the situation as she chewed her lower lip.
“Approximately, yes. I’m sorry it isn’t more, Your Majesty, but there’s only so much I can do,” Albert apologized, shrugging helplessly.
“It is what it is. If your Guild helps even slightly, though… we should be able to hold off Kelvanis for that amount of time. Maybe we could even start making a dent in their territory,” Phynis mused, then shook her head firmly. “Regardless, it’s good to actually know what’s going on. Thank you, Master Windgale.”
“To be perfectly fair, I should thank you for not overreacting, Your Majesty.” Albert bowed deeply, holding the pose for a moment before straightening respectfully. “I couldn’t have blamed you if you had. What occurred was horrible, even more for you considering how close you and Sistina are. On a personal note I’ve found speaking with her to be fascinating, as we’ve never been able to study how a dungeon feels about our delves into them.”
“Heh.” Phynis giggled softly at that, smiling as she asked, “She told you that she finds watching people challenge the dungeon to be entertaining?”
“Yes. Yes she did.” Albert let out a soft sigh and shook his head. “That caused mixed feelings, at least for me. Even so, it’s been fascinating.”
“I’m glad to hear it. Now then, since there doesn’t seem to be anything else, I’d like to get back to the lesson,” Phynis told him, giving him a slight smile. “If you’ll excuse me?”
“Of course! I hope it goes well for you, Your Majesty,” Albert replied, bowing his head. As she turned to re-enter the classroom, the human turned to leave.
Stepping back inside the room again, Phynis gave the other students a reassuring smile as she sought out her seat. Cortin paused only a moment before continuing his explanation of the gestures required for the fire bolt spell, and the need for precision to keep from hurting themselves or others. The care he was putting into the lesson was reassuring to her, at the least.
“Phynis, there you are!” Desa spoke in obvious relief as the Queen entered the palace again, and her tone caused Phynis to stop in place, blinking.
“Yes? Is something the matter?” Phynis asked, setting down the small bundle of books that she’d brought back from her class. “Also, I finally received a response from Master Windgale about the disrupter. I’m not pleased, I must say.”
“Of course not. He came to see me after you, and told me he’d get together soon to see what support they could provide. No, what I have to tell you is a bit more important than that. I got a message spell from Vara’Sel, and it’s important,” Desa stressed.
“What did they have to say?” Phynis asked, straightening slightly. They hadn’t been getting too many messages from Sifaren since the message stones had been delivered, almost as if her mother was afraid to use them for anything but the most important issues. Unless things had dramatically changed, that was still the case, and Desa’s attitude certainly reinforced the perception.
“Word has been received that Diane and Jaine Yisara are going to be in Westgate in eight days for the dedication of the new temple of that religion of theirs. Someone also deliberately leaked that the Archon himself will be in attendance as well,” Desa explained, grinning as she continued. “Slaid and Vendis are going to attempt to infiltrate the city and assassinate the Archon while rescuing the former princess and queen.”
“Wonderful!” Phynis’ eyes lit up for a moment, but then she frowned. “Are they confident of success? When I spoke to the Guildmaster earlier, he didn’t think much of their chances of taking on the Archon in battle. He’s at least a grandmaster ranked mage, after all.”
“I… well, I’m not sure, to be honest,” Desa replied, frowning. “I didn’t hear about that part. The Archon hasn’t shown much of his power directly since taking the throne. Perhaps…”
As Desa’s voice trailed off, Phynis waited for a moment, then a minute. Finally she asked, “Perhaps what, Desa?”
“Oh, I was just thinking. May I have permission to speak with the Guildmaster and Kassandra? If they have any items or ideas on how to deal with him, I’d like to know. In fact, if you’re willing, I’d like to ask for volunteers and attempt to assist Vendis,” Desa replied, her eyes bright as she grinned. “If we can take the snake’s head off, it might be enough to finish this war. I wouldn’t count on it, but every little bit helps.”
“I…” Phynis was about to protest, but she paused, thinking Desa’s request through. It wasn’t as if Desa was trying to attack without planning, after all, and if they could kill the Archon? He was probably the lynchpin of Kelvanis. He had no declared heir, and Justicar Hall had been the one designated to choose the next Archon if he did die, and Hall was dead as well. Likely as not Kelvanis’ Adjudicators would start fighting for the position, even with the High Adjudicator alive. So at last she sighed and nodded. “I can see why you want to try, Desa. I’ll allow it, but only if you think you have good chances of success. I don’t want to lose you.”
“Great! I’ll go speak with them right away!” Desa grinned more, adding, “I have no intention of dying, Milady. I’d far rather put him out of our misery and come back to report in.”
“Good enough. Be careful, Desa,” Phynis murmured, and watched Desa grab a jacket and all but run for the palace entrance.
Suppressing a sigh, Phynis felt mingled hope and terror. Hopefully Desa would find a better way to confront Ulvian in talking to the other two magi. Still, she had dinner to attend to.
Chapter 25
“One moment, Lady Diane, your laces are a bit loose,” Maria murmured, the human maid not pausing before she began adjusting the laces of the corset. The maid was taller than Diane was, her reflection in the mirror showing her pleasantly tanned skin and revealing black dress that showed her pink slave crest as she worked, with her long, dark hair pinned up in braids.
“I think it’s quite—” Diane began, only to squeak slightly as the ribs of the corset constricted, forcing some of the air from her lungs. Something had to be wrong with her, since Diane hadn’t enjoyed corsets when she first came to Kelvanis, yet now there was virtually no pain or discomfort when it tightened. Even so, she managed to continue after a few moments. “I was… was saying that I thought it was quite tight enough, Maria.”
“I do apologize, but Wenris was very specific about your appearance for today, Lady Diane,” Maria replied softly, ensuring that all of the laces were properly tightened before tying them in place. “I’m simply following her directions.”
�
��Oh.” Diane swallowed her protests at the explanation, wincing as she looked at the white corset and how much it constricted her waist by. After a few moments she asked, “What else did she have in mind?”
“She brought a dress and jewelry, then gave rather particular instructions, Milady,” Maria told her, stepping away and opening the wardrobe. A moment later she removed a dress, and Diane couldn’t help but blanch at the sight of it.
The dress didn’t have a broad skirt, instead designed to fall to the ankles and tight enough that it wouldn’t allow her to take steps more than a quarter of her usual stride. The dress was a bright purple and blue threaded with gold embroidery, and it would expose a healthy portion of her chest before draping down her arms in diaphanous sleeves that lightened from sky-blue to white. The waist of the dress was so narrow that there was no way Diane would have fit into it if the corset hadn’t been cinched so tight, and the purple obviously matched the colors of Tyria’s faith.
“I have to wear that?” Diane asked, incredulous. It looked entirely too ridiculous for her skin tone.
“Yes, Diane. That’s your dress for the trip to Westgate. Do you disapprove?” Wenris’ seductive tone sent a shiver through Diane, and the elf turned to face the doorway, where Wenris stood alongside Serel, appearing as a beautiful human version of herself, with a single eyebrow raised curiously. The strangest part about the demon was her necklace, though. It was a thin gold chain, with a pendant in the shape of an inch-long golden birdcage. Diane hadn’t ever seen the necklace before, but put it out of her mind quickly. It might or might not be important, and she really didn’t want to know which it was.
Diane hated her reaction, but she almost instinctively lowered her gaze, attempting to explain. “N-no, Wenris. I was… I was just surprised at the sight of it. I thought the colors didn’t fit my skin tone.”
“Hmm… I suppose you might think that, but you might be surprised,” Wenris replied, stepping into the room and closing the door behind her. The demon smiled as she continued. “It helps accentuate your eyes, and the gold helps it match your skin more closely as well. With the makeup you’ll look absolutely ravishing… and the Archon is very partial to the look as well.”
The succubus gave Diane a meaningful look with her last words, and Diane’s eyes widened at the obvious message. It only took her a moment before she bowed her head and murmured, “As you say. Go ahead, Maria.”
Without a word Maria began helping Diane into the dress, which fit perfectly. That wasn’t too surprising, considering who was behind it, but it always made Diane feel strange. She was used to several fittings for most of her clothing, so not seeing an outfit before wearing it was unusual.
As Maria painted Diane’s lips a deep crimson, Wenris watched with a faint smile playing across her lips, causing a sensation of discomfort to seep through the elf. Despite her constant presence nearby, Serel seemed to almost disappear into the background, completely different from the overwhelming presence of the succubus.
It took about half an hour to fully prepare for the trip, even with the other bags already packed, and tension coiled in Diane’s stomach like a spring. Supposedly they were going to escape in the next few days, but Wenris had been so close-mouthed about her plans that Diane had no clue what they were. In fact, a small part of the elf feared that Wenris had just been trying to get her hopes up. Even so, she had little choice in the matter.
“Shall we go?” Diane finally asked, reaching up to brush the tasteful silver necklace she was wearing. She’d also been adorned with earrings and bracelets, none of which were too elaborate.
“Of course, Milady,” Maria murmured, picking up the last two bags. The rest had already been taken away earlier. Wenris said nothing, while Serel opened the door and stepped into the hallway watchfully.
Following with the short steps forced by her dress, Diane smiled as she saw Jaine and Meredith, Maria’s sister, waiting for them. Jaine’s honey-hued skin stood out from her flowing white priestess’ robes, and she smiled broadly in return. “Good morning, Mother! You look lovely today.”
“As do you, Jaine. You seem excited about our trip,” Diane replied gently, her worry that Wenris wasn’t going to keep her bargain growing slightly as she did so. Jaine just didn’t seem any different.
“I am! I’m looking forward to seeing the dedication of the temple, and to get at least a little closer to Yisara again,” Jaine explained happily. “Aren’t you? I mean, you asked to come on the trip too.”
“Oh, I am! Don’t get me wrong, it just isn’t…” Diane paused, trying to think of how to explain more delicately. It took a few moments, but finally she continued. “I don’t know what to think. You’ve changed so much since we got here, and so have I. I’m just curious, and want to stay close to you.”
“I see, well, I’m glad you’re coming with me, Mother. It makes me far more comfortable with everything, and you’ve helped keep me sane,” Jaine replied sincerely, then extended her hand. “Shall we?”
Suppressing a sigh, Diane smiled and nodded, reaching out to take her daughter’s hand, and trying to ignore the thoughtful gaze of the demon following them.
Ulvian’s eyes lit up in pleasure as he caught sight of the women stepping into the teleportation hub. Jaine was beautiful, but despite that, she wasn’t quite what he preferred in a woman. Diane was far closer to his personal ideal when one took Irethiel out of the picture, with her narrow waist and constrained movements, and how the woman had applied kohl around her eyes to accentuate them. He mostly ignored the others, though he gave Serel and Wenris slight nods.
“Ladies, you look absolutely lovely! It’s a pleasure to see you as well. Did Elissa decide to leave separately? I’d expected her to accompany you.” Ulvian spoke clearly, smiling as he took a step toward them.
Diane gave a slight curtsey, almost as deep as she could manage in her gown, while the others gave respectful nods, but the former queen gave a radiant smile as she replied warmly. “Thank you, Archon. As to Elissa, I was not told anything about her. Jaine, might you know?”
“I do. She said she would be slightly late getting here, as she had a few final preparations to make for the dedication. I doubt she will be long, Archon,” Jaine told them, folding her hands in front of her, the young woman’s own smile reserved.
“Ah, that makes sense! So how are you, Jaine? I didn’t see you at dinner last night, so I’ve been somewhat concerned,” Ulvian asked as he stepped to the side, allowing the two human maids to move deeper into the chamber.
The hub was a chamber made of heavily reinforced stone, and the intricate runic enchantments carved into the floors and walls allowed anyone to teleport to connecting cities, if they were able to provide sufficient mana.
“I’m well. Last eve I was at the temple, meditating on Tyria’s teachings through the night in preparation for the dedication. It was quite soothing,” Jaine explained, her smile hesitant as she paused, then continued softly. “Thank you for your concern, though.”
“Ahh, much is explained. I’m glad to hear that you were well,” Ulvian told her warmly, glancing over at Wenris and asking, “And you, Wenris? You’ve been quite busy of late, I’ve noticed.”
“Oh, I’ve just been keeping Diane and Maria company, as well as helping her fill out her wardrobe a bit more fully. Nothing too important, in truth,” Wenris replied with a grin, even as both of the women mentioned blushed. “I must admit to some surprise that you’re attending the dedication. Is there a particular reason why you’re doing so?”
“That’s… an unpleasant thing to speak on, unfortunately. Justicar Hall fell in battle when facing Sifaren, along with some of his most elite soldiers,” Ulvian explained, sighing deeply as he shook his head. “It’s made worse because he is, was, one of my oldest friends. I’m going to sorely miss him. It also makes a rather large hole in the command structure out that direction, so I’m joining you not just for the dedication, but also to help reinforce morale while I decide who is the best man, o
r woman, to fill his boots.”
“Tsk. So very calculating, Ulvian. Coming along just to make certain people don’t panic over your poor decisions?” Elissa’s clear voice echoed down the hall as the High Priestess entered, carrying a bag in one hand and a silver staff in the other, a sardonic smile on her face. The priestess was wearing the holy symbol of Tyria around her neck and a white set of robes that matched Jaine’s, both thin enough to show their brands. Her black hair shimmered as though she’d just taken a bath, causing him to frown. Elissa smiled more widely in response, her eyes twinkling mischievously. “Or are you claiming that it isn’t somewhat manipulative?”
“Elissa, you’re late,” Ulvian replied, trying to ignore her verbal jab as he nodded, raising an eyebrow. “Are you ready, or can we get moving?”
“An hour is hardly going to make a difference, Ulvian, let alone ten minutes,” Elissa told him with a smirk, shaking her head at him as she sighed. “Ah, well. I’m sure you’ll come around eventually. I’m certainly ready, though, I just had a few last things to set in order. I’m deeply looking forward to the dedication.”
“Good enough, let’s get going, then,” Ulvian murmured, ignoring her comment and giving a nod to the attendant in the room. “To Westgate, please.”
“Of course, Lord Archon,” the man replied diffidently, waiting for everyone to step into the center of the room before murmuring the activation words of the enchantment.
As the words were spoken, the runes on the floor and walls began to glow with a soft blue light. Bracing himself for the teleportation, Ulvian managed to suppress any reaction to the stomach-churning jolt as he disappeared in a flash of light, then reappeared in a nearly identical chamber in Westgate.
“Here we are! While it doesn’t feel terribly pleasant, teleportation is wonderful for shortening trips, isn’t it?” Ulvian said cheerfully, offering a hand to Diane. “Would you like a tour of the city, Lady Diane? Last time you were here I don’t believe that you had the chance to look around.”
Halls of Power (Ancient Dreams Book 3) Page 18
