“Oh, come now, Beck,” Domadred protested, as his smile grew wider. “We were just having a little fun. Besides”—the captain patted Carli’s bottom—“she started it.”
Carli bolted up and her hands flashed to a secret pocket in her skirt. Finding it empty, her face turned bright red and she swung her palm to slap Domadred.
Domadred easily deflected the attack and deftly bounced her back down on his knee with a thud. “What’s the matter, darling?” The captain laughed, jostling Carli on his knee. “You were enjoying yourself a moment ago when you stole my pearl pouch!”
Carli’s eyes shone with golden anger and she exhaled sharply.
“Fine, fine,” Domadred said, producing several black pearls and three large rings much too big to be her own. But as she stood up and took them, Domadred slapped her bottom with his other palm and Carli let out a screech. “You’ve got to watch both hands, my little bird. That’s the trick.”
She turned on her heel in a flurry, but before she could get away, Beck stopped her with a single word. “Wait.” The general’s voice was calm and low, but it commanded attention like only a leader of armies could master. “You have not been given leave to go.”
Carli stopped to face him. Her eyes were downcast and genuine fear shone on her face. “My Lord,” she whispered in an unsteady voice, “I—”
“All of it, Domadred, and make it quick. I don’t have much time.”
“My friend,” Domadred said, “you know me far too well . . .” The sailor then produced a folded slip of paper seemingly out of thin air. The girl’s face turned pale as terror washed over her. “It seems to be a secret letter, Beck. Shall we read it?”
Carli made a move as if she was going to grab the paper and run. But before she could, Beck put a firm hand on the base of her neck, keeping her in place. Through his grip, Beck could feel the girl tremble.
“No need to fret, darling,” Domadred continued. “I have a feeling that the letter starts with ‘By the coalition of Vai’kel’s light, we stand firm against the Northern oppression.’ Which means you’re in good company.”
The girl’s eyes shot wide, her terror now replaced by shock. “Carli,” Beck said, shaking his head, “the captain had you marked from the beginning. Your agent’s message was meant for him. This is Domadred Steele, the Domadred Steele.”
Carli blushed deeply, giving her most formal bow.
“No, no, dear. No need for that,” Domadred laughed. “I’m glad to have made your acquaintance. You fit my knee well, and my hand fits your . . .”
Carli looked up from her bow and her eyes were angry once again.
“Well, thank you for the note,” Domadred continued. “After I am finished with my friend, I will draft a response. If you like, you can help me with my penmanship . . .”
She bowed again, turning to leave. But as Carli walked away, she turned and looked back. Her smile had returned.
CHAPTER VI
As Beck sat, he began to open his mouth. Domadred, however, started talking before the general could speak.
“Katrina always surprises me,” Domadred exclaimed. “She has a memory as long as the ocean straits! When I came in, she started recalling stories from nearly two decades ago verbatim. It’s unbelievable! She really should be hired by the Hall of Chronicles. I’d bet she has a better memory than the prime chronicler himself!”
Ignoring his words, Beck leaned in and whispered fiercely, “Do you have any idea the disaster you could have created this morning with Arva Vatana on the docks?”
Domadred smiled. “But I didn’t. More importantly, did you see Brayden? He played his part so beautifully. He even got one of Arva’s rings! Someday, he will be better than his old man. Now that, Beck, that is what you should be worried about.”
“Cursed by the Dark Ones!” Beck said, slamming his fist on the table. “If Arva Vatana recognized you . . . You’ve stolen enough of his goods to be a common name in his lands. I don’t even want to tell you how much your head is worth in some circles!”
Domadred’s eyes lit up and his smile grew wider. “With a well- orchestrated plan we could easily fake my capture and steal—”
“Domadred, this is not a joke! He would have had you killed on the spot and put your head on a pike for all to see!”
“But he did not,” Domadred said nonchalantly. “Nor could he have, had he tried.”
“And why is that?” Beck seethed. “Did you not notice he had an entire platoon at his back? He would have massacred you and your whole crew. The harbor would have run red with your blood.”
“Impossible!” Domadred laughed. “For you never would have let that happen.” Beck threw up his hands as the pirate continued. “More importantly, I know there are no odds we could not face together, my brother. Remember back during the Unification War? Remember the valley of Thurlow?” Domadred’s eyebrow rose and Beck could not help but smile.
“Dom, you are too reckless. This is not a game, especially now.”
“Oh, come on. Arva and his men are nothing to my charm and your . . . well, your hard work and determination.”
“You take needless risks.” Beck let out a great sigh. “You walk the precipice and someday you will slip. When that day comes, neither I nor anyone else will be able to catch you as you fall.”
“We both know why I walk the path I do. Treacherous as it may be.”
“You mean to say your chosen career of thievery?”
“It has little to do with choice, Beck. No matter how much you and your Eastern Council want to forget what happened after the war, we both were there. We both remember what Lenhal did to my men. What he did to . . .”
Domadred’s words trailed off and Beck looked away. After a moment, Beck spoke.
“No matter our relationship, Domadred, you can’t just keep sailing in here like this. None see you in your former glory. All they see now is an outlaw.”
“A man of virtue remains as such, no matter how circumstance forces him to act.”
Beck let out a sigh. “Your virtue would not protect your head from being rammed on a pike. There is no telling how much longer the Eastern Council will turn a blind eye to your presence. It pains me to say this, but things are not as they once were.”
Domadred took a long drink from his mug. “Enough of this talk. Tell me of the Northern tariffs.”
“They bleed us dry, but you know that. What is your point?”
“I had assumed the Eastern Council would never bend to forced orders from the North.”
“Domadred, you know Asura controls taxes and trade within the Northern and Central Continents while also holding their armies in his hand. I am growing tired of your games. All know how dire this situation is. Why do you think these peace talks are so important? If the East is not united, we will all fall to Asura if he advances his forces.”
A wide smile spread across Domadred’s face. “It’s not a matter of if, but when, which is all the more reason to join the Resistance, Beck.”
“I wish it were so simple,” Beck said, shaking his head.
“It truly is simple. Asura sends his agents across Terra and must be stopped. Surely you have felt his reaching tendrils here?”
“Not in Mindra’s Haven, but there are rumors that Arva Vatana has entertained Northern ambassadors . . .”
“Arva is not to be trusted, Beck. Just look into his eyes. What more proof do you need?”
“Sadly, it gets worse.” Beck fingered the necklace under his shirt. “Arva sent a letter to Mehail saying, ‘With unequal numbers of men guarding us, how can we find the trust to build allegiance between our nations?’ He insisted our guards be cut in half and our standing army be stationed on the far end of the southern bank before he would set one foot in Mindra’s Haven.”
Domadred’s mouth fell open in astonishment. “Tell me Mehail didn’t agree?”
“What choice did he have?” Beck grimaced and the scar on his cheek pulled tight.
“There is always a c
hoice, Beck. The only thing which can lack is a man’s will to make it.”
“Well, the council believes we must unite, despite the risk. If the North invades, we face a force too great for a fragmented East to withstand. Now that Prime Admiral Lenhal has signed a treaty with Asura—committing nearly the entire force of the Western fleet to fight under the banner of the North—we truly don’t have a choice.”
Pain flashed in Domadred’s eyes. “Lenhal has betrayed not just me but also my people. But fear not, in the coming months I will finally bring an end to his treachery.”
“Rumor has it,” Beck said, narrowing his eyes, “that Saiya Vengail, the newly proclaimed High Priestess of the Western Order of the Arkai, has gone missing. Don’t tell me you had anything to do with that . . .”
“Then I won’t say anything at all,” Domadred said, then took a long drink from his mug. “Although I will mention I’ve heard the priestess has been found.”
“I have heard no such thing,” Beck said, carefully eyeing Domadred.
“Then tell me what rumors you have heard.”
Beck ran a hand through his hair. “One story says Saiya tried to kill Lenhal and take control of the West for herself. Another says she has a fleet of great ships at her command ready to go to war on behalf of the Resistance. Oh, and a third tale says she seduced Asura and has become his queen of the Northern Empire.”
“Oh my,” Domadred laughed, “she’s been busy for one so young. That last one seems a bit outlandish, though. You do know the priestess is celibate, don’t you?”
“All I know,” Beck answered, “is that Western forces are being used to search for her in unprecedented numbers. Reports say that even as we speak, there are numerous warship expeditions searching for her in the South.”
“Indeed, I ran into one on my way here.” Domadred took another sip from his mug. “What’s left of it is now stationed in Kaamos for repairs.”
“Well, I’m sure you are quite proud of yourself, then.”
“Sadly, no. I had hoped to find Lenhal. Word has it that he has brought his personal convoy of ships to find his young priestess. My sources say he’s combing over every port in the South searching for her. Little does he know, Saiya is not there.”
“Don’t tell me you know where she is?”
“Then I suppose I shouldn’t tell you that she is resting quite comfortably in the hold of my ship.”
“Are you mad?” Beck sputtered, nearly falling over in his chair.
Domadred shrugged. “No more than usual.”
“So you sail in here like it’s nothing, with a cargo which could literally burn a hole in your hull? These are peace talks, Domadred. Peace talks! She is a Rune Holder of the High Arkai, and you hold her captive in my harbor. That goes too far, even for you!”
“Calm yourself,” Domadred said, looking around the hotel. “I had no choice. She is locked in the Dreamscape in a self-induced coma and needs special provisions. Besides, Lenhal was going to kill her.”
“Kill her? And a coma? What are you talking about, Domadred? Enough games, tell me the truth!”
“Lenhal cannot use the Runes on his ship’s altar to locate her while she dwells only in dreams. Remember, Beck, because Lenhal is the prime admiral, they share Runes.”
“Does Lenhal know you have her?”
“I’m sure he has his suspicions, but—”
“You are mad and reckless!”
“It matters not, old friend. So long as I keep moving, they cannot track us, and even if they did, no one has ever caught the Diamond, no matter the circumstances. Besides, if I actually had the opportunity to find him—”
“But why, Domadred?” Beck interrupted. “Why would you do such a thing as to kidnap a High Priestess of the Order of the Arkai, a direct line to Aruna, the Western High Arkai himself? I understand your wrath against Lenhal, but have you no respect for the Guardians?”
“Beck, you misunderstand,” Domadred said in a soft voice. “I didn’t kidnap her; Saiya has joined us. She has defected to the Resistance. The young priestess has information that will be the key to destroying the alliance between the North and the West, and it could even end Vai’kel’s occupation. That is why Lenhal was trying to kill her.”
“Well then, be gone,” Beck growled. “You will not bring his fleet down upon us and risk open war with the Thalassocracy. That is all Asura needs for a full invasion of our lands!”
“Do not worry, I wish to depart in all haste.”
“Good, I bid you safe travel.”
“But Beck . . .” Domadred paused before he continued. “I want you to come with me. That is the real reason I am here in Mindra’s Haven. The Resistance needs you. I need you. We owe them for what we did to Vai’kel—for what we allowed to happen during the Unification War.” Domadred leveled Beck with a firm stare. “It is time to gather our strength against the occupation. You know I speak the truth.”
Beck looked into Domadred’s eyes for a long moment, not responding.
“After the voyage to Vai’kel,” Domadred continued, “Saiya and I will meet with the various commanders of the Resistance. Her information will be a common flag and fuse their fissures and infighting. Join us, Beck. With your tactics, not to mention your support in the East, coupled with a newly united Resistance, we can strike a lethal blow to the Peacekeeping Forces!”
Beck did not respond.
“Beck, you must see the logic in it. If we push Asura’s armies back to the North, the East will be safe.”
“You really have Saiya?”
“Yes. Her betrayal leaves Lenhal waiting for the Warden Women’s High Council of the Thalassocracy to revoke his position of prime admiral. Once Saiya can surface in Vai’kel, the admirals will have no choice but to denounce Lenhal and rescind both his titles and station. A minority wants it already, for many of the captains are not happy with this forced alliance with the North. Grab your boys and wife, Beck; we can cast off with the tide tonight!”
There was a moment of silence and Domadred’s blue eyes stared into Beck’s golden gaze. “This is not a choice I alone can make,” Beck finally said, letting out his breath in a rush. “My loyalty and honor are bound to the East. They cannot be broken, especially now.”
“My friend, duty, like moral law, does not always serve ethical justice. If the Resistance falls, eventually so will the East, no matter if you are united or not. This is a fight for all of Terra.”
Beck shook his head. “There is nothing more I can say until we hear Mehail’s words tomorrow and know the outcome of the peace talks. I will be leading the Honor Guard into Mindra’s Square when the blue fire is lit. Come and hear the proclamation. In his words, we will hear the answer to your question.”
Domadred nodded thoughtfully. “I wasn’t planning on staying the night. But if they proclaim peace tomorrow, you will come with us?”
Beck paused for a very long moment. “If there is true peace in the East, then there will be no need for a general such as me to be here.” Beck’s words came slowly. “And if I were to come with you to Vai’kel, it would be easy to bring several legions of men in secret. It would take several days to arrange, but those numbers combined with the Eastern soldiers already stationed in Mystari . . .”
Domadred’s smile grew wide and he raised his mug in a high toast.
“No, Domadred,” Beck said, shaking his head. “I get ahead of myself. We must wait for tomorrow’s proclamation. Until then, I can say no more.”
Beck suddenly stood and gripped Domadred’s forearm firmly in farewell. His eyes, however, were lost in thought and planning.
It was late, and Aleksi sat in the bright light of the unnaturally massive fire of the Guardian’s Flame. He hoped the serving girl wouldn’t come back again. Carli, he thought the hotel steward had called her. The way the young woman kept hovering about his table and eyeing Aleksi’s bandaged hand made him nervous. All he had asked for was food and water, but even after Aleksi had finished eating, she repeatedl
y returned to ask if he needed anything else or had plans for the remainder of the evening.
The hotel was very nice, but honestly, anything was nicer than the streets of Old City. The main hall was large with many inner balconies connected by winding stairwells. More impressive, however, was the fire that rose up to the high ceiling. Although it had been made by the Guardians, similar effects could be achieved by a series of complex Runes. Empowering them, however, was the difficult part. The only Master Aleksi knew who might be strong enough to do it was Rudra . . .
Aleksi looked down at the pendant that lay softly in his bandaged palm. Who was that old man? Aleksi thought. How had he known me? He knew my father, but he knew Rudra, too.
“Where did you get that?”
Startled, Aleksi stood up and was shocked to be face to face with General Beck Al’Beth. Eyeing the man’s scar and slipping the pendant back into his pocket, Aleksi spoke slowly. “I search for its former owner, Lord.”
“That house was cursed in life and the same in death,” the general said harshly. “If you travel the length of Vandeen’s Grove, all you’ll find of them has been burned to the ground. And for just cause, I might add.” The general looked around the hotel. “Son, I suggest you lose that and not be seen with it again. Some would count you an enemy just because you possess it. And if they did”—Beck shook his head—“it wouldn’t take much for me to agree with them.”
Without further words, Beck turned and disappeared through the hotel’s outer doors.
Vandeen’s Grove, Aleksi thought, grasping the pendant in his pocket. Burned to the ground, same as the old beggar had said . . .
Aleksi lay dreaming on a rented bedroll.
He floated effortlessly in a vast expanse of murky darkness. As the youth moved his hands, it was as if he were in weightless water. Though he tried to inhale, Aleksi’s lungs caught no air. Instead of being startled by this, he suddenly was confused as to what breath even was.
Abruptly, the horizon of the world shifted and Aleksi felt vertigo. He became disoriented and his senses blurred. As the faintness subsided, lights swirled in the aphotic distance. At first, they seemed hazy, like a series of colorful eddies on the horizon. But as they swam toward him, their glow became brighter and more vibrant. Swimming nimbly in the darkness, they darted to and fro until suddenly they were next to Aleksi. Wispily embracing him, they lighted across his vision and sang him sweet melodies. But as swiftly as they came, the swirling colors were gone. Once again, Aleksi was alone in the vast emptiness of soothing black.
Rune of the Apprentice (The Rune Chronicles) Page 10
