Sunweaver

by Ryan W. Mueller

  This process was even slower and more agonizing. She focused for minutes and minutes, tensing every time the shifting stone made a sound. More footsteps came from the corridor. Had they moved closer? Would they enter this room? Her heart pounded a fierce beat.

  But she did close the floor around the concealed plans. There might have been a slight inconsistency in the stone floor's appearance, but surely no one would notice.

  Taking deep breaths, she stepped to the door and waited until she heard no sounds in the corridor. She moved out into the hall and closed the door softly, praying that no one would see her. Her chest felt tight, and her legs were wobbly.

  She rushed back to her chamber, where she sank into the bed, exhausted, her mind racing. After a few minutes, she decided she needed to see the Sunlord again. He'd be happy to hear that she had a rescue plan. She'd kept him updated as much as possible, but he'd discouraged her from showing up too much and risking discovery.

  Still, she had to inform him of his potential rescue.

  Rella made her way through the secret passage and emerged in the next chamber. When she didn't see the Sunlord sitting on his bed, her stomach lurched.

  When she saw the Fire Guards, she felt cold all over.

  And when she saw Atarin, she wished she could disappear.

  Atarin approached, his face a stony mask. "I believe I warned you about disobeying me. Did you think I was joking? I didn't care so much that you discovered the Sunlord's presence here, but you should not have tried to see him on your own."

  "I-I'm sorry," Rella said, trembling so much she thought her legs would collapse. "I didn't mean any harm."

  Atarin stepped closer. His eyes had gone cold and calculating. "That is yet to be determined. You're alive for now, but I wouldn't expect that to remain true, especially if you're not truthful with me."

  "I just thought he needed someone to talk to," she said, trying to control her voice.

  "You're lying," Atarin said with narrowed eyes. He turned to the four Fire Guards standing behind him. "Take her to the dungeon."

  "Yes, sir."

  For a moment, Rella considered fighting, but she knew it would do her no favors, and get her killed. Dread twisted her insides as they tightened their hands around her arms.

  Chapter 36: Saying Farewell

  Morning had come, but Deril didn't feel like doing anything. He couldn't accept that Tiran was dead, though he'd spent enough time looking at his friend's body to know the truth. Now Deril sat in a small room off the Brotherhood's central chamber, basking in the sun's rays. This room was how Sunweaver members of the Brotherhood could restore their reserves.

  By now, his reserves had returned. It was terrifying to think he could deplete them so quickly in a battle. Could he have saved Tiran if he'd had more reserves? He thought back to the battle, to the duel, looking for any way he might have changed things. Tiran would tell him to put the past aside, but Deril couldn't do that.

  Footsteps echoed behind him. He turned to see Davin had entered the chamber.

  "What do you want?" Deril asked, trying to keep the impatience out of his voice.

  "I wanted to talk." Davin settled down beside him on the cold stone floor. "I know this isn't easy for you, but you have to ignore the hurt for now and focus on the larger goal."

  Deril didn't meet his eyes. "You didn't just lose your best friend."

  "No, I only lost the woman I loved. I know she had her faults, but our relationship was more than that of comrades. I hoped I could change her, make her see the problems with her views, but I couldn't." He faltered for a moment. "In the end, I had to turn against her."

  "I-I'm sorry. I should have realized how difficult that was."

  "And that's why I'm coming with you. I started something yesterday, and I'm the kind of man who finishes the things he starts. It's tough. I woke up this morning expecting her to be by my side, blaming myself for her death. I thought I'd failed her, but she made her own choices." Davin paused for a few seconds. "And so did your friend."

  Deril knew that was true, knew he should accept it and move on, but he wanted to rage at the unfairness of it all. "Perhaps you're right," he said. "I just feel so empty right now."

  Davin put an arm on his shoulder. "Remember this, Deril. You can only control yourself."

  "I know, but it's hard." Deril fell silent a moment. "I'm also worried that I'll fail Kadin, that I'll fail the entire world. How am I supposed to teach him to do something I never could?"

  "Which is better?" Davin said. "Trying to save the world and failing, or giving up because you're worried about failing?"

  "When you state it that way, the choice is easy." Deril got to his feet. "Thank you. I guess you're helping me see some sense. You're right. The only sure way to fail is by not trying at all." He shook his head. "I just wish I knew how I could make this work out."

  "You'll find a way."

  Deril left the room, wishing he could believe that. When he entered the central chamber, the memories of last night came flooding back. The chaos. The screams. The pain. Faina had healed his broken rib, but it still felt tender.

  Sondir had taken charge, calling in people to clear the bodies from the central chamber. Tiran's body had been returned to the Temple of Aralea, where Deril would go soon. He had to give Captain Hanir an update, and he had to say a proper goodbye to Tiran.

  The Brotherhood's furniture lay in ruins. Smoke had blackened the walls, making them look nothing like their original golden color. The room, which had always been bustling with activity, seemed dead. Every breath sounded loud in the eerie silence.

  Kadin and Faina sat together on the far side of the chamber, whispering to one another and looking like they felt out of place. Deril approached them.

  Kadin stopped whispering and looked up. "Is it time to go?"

  "Yes, but we're going to go to the Temple of Aralea first."

  "Are you going to tell them about me?" Kadin asked.

  "It's the responsible thing to do," Deril said. "I understand that you're hesitant to proclaim your abilities, but it's necessary. For one thing, it will protect you from arrest." He hated the hollowness in his voice. "Can you tell me how the sun's been faring lately?"

  Kadin chewed on his lower lip. "Well, for a while, it seemed like it was growing weaker more quickly. Now, I'm not so sure. It seems like it's staying about the same. I don't really understand it. Maybe they're letting your father do his Sunlord things."

  "Probably," Deril said. "They want a functioning sun as much as we do. For now."

  Footsteps approached from behind. Davin again. He was dressed in a thick fur cloak and carried a sword at his side. Deril nodded at him, then turned back to Kadin and Faina, who both got to their feet. They had no weapons, and their light clothing didn't look suited to traveling.

  "We're going to have to get you some provisions at the temple," Deril said, leading the way toward the exit. "I'm sorry you have to be a part of this. I can't see how we'll manage this. It's insane."

  "We'll find a way," Faina said, but her face was lined with worry. Kadin walked beside her, looking away as though he had no idea what to say.

  They passed Sondir on the way out, bade farewell to him, and returned to the city streets. From there, Deril led the way to the city's edge, and then up the mountain. There were no carriages, so they had to walk the entire way. No one complained, though, for the mountain was nowhere near as tall as the Snow Knife Mountains to the south.

  When they reached the top, the guards did the Yellow/Green weave to open the immense stone gate. Deril had used a Blue/Purple weave to inform everyone of his arrival.

  "I'm sorry to hear about Tiran," said one of the guards, patting Deril on the shoulder.

  Tears flooded Deril's eyes, and he could only nod as he passed the guard. His mother waited on the other side, looking paler than he remembered her. By her side stood Daine, whom Deril had almost forgotten. Daine's expression looked softer than usual.

  His mother r
ushed forward and wrapped her arms around him. He wanted to rest there, basking in the warmth of her touch, pretending the world didn't exist. It brought him back to a happier time, back when he was a kid and he'd thought he'd be everything the world expected of him. A time when a mother's hug could convince him everything was all right.

  "Tiran is in the chapel," she said, her voice tight.

  He fought back tears. "I'll say my goodbyes after I speak to Captain Hanir."

  Deril had already recounted some of the basics, but he preferred to meet face-to-face. He broke out of his mother's hug and gestured for Kadin, Faina, and Davin to follow him. Faina and Davin obeyed followed after a moment, glancing black and forth.

  "You'll be all right," Deril said, keeping his voice low. "As long as you don't use your powers."

  Davin nodded, but Faina was frowning. Well, there was nothing Deril could do about their unease. They needed to be part of this meeting.

  Deril followed the temple's twisting corridors, arriving a few minutes later at Hanir's office. The stone door stood open, and Deril stepped through it, stomach churning. How many of his doings as a spy had become known? Would he face punishment?

  He took a seat across from Hanir, while the others stood at the back of the room, fidgeting and glancing toward the door.

  "First of all," Hanir said, "I'm sorry to hear about Tiran."

  Deril took a deep breath. "Thank you, but let's not waste time talking about Tiran. The important thing is that you know everything I've learned."

  He spent the next few minutes recounting everything he'd done and learned during his time with the Brotherhood. It didn't matter if he'd face punishment. He could deal with that later, after he rescued his father, after he trained Kadin to be a Sunlord.

  Hanir watched with no expression. When Deril finished, the captain said, "This is all very troubling. I knew this could be world-changing, but I didn't realize the severity of it until now." He frowned. "And that's why I'm willing to put aside the law for the moment. For all of you, and for your mother, Deril. There are more important things."

  "Thank you," Deril said, the tightness in his chest easing. Captain Hanir was the highest ranking Sun Guard in Tarileth, so a pardon from him was the best news possible.

  Hanir turned his gaze to Kadin. "Is the boy really a Sunlord?"

  "I believe so," Deril said. "The way he describes the sun sounds a lot like my father."

  "And do you truly think you can train him?" Hanir said.

  "Only three people in the world have undergone Sunlord training, and since they're both in the Frozen Lands, I'm the only choice."

  "I see that," Hanir said, "but don't you think it would be better if you stayed here and trained Kadin in safety? You're asking us to risk the life of a Sunlord."

  Deril took a deep breath. "If there were any other way, I'd do it. But there's a good chance I won't have enough time to train Kadin. If that happens, I have to get there and save my father." Before Hanir could protest, Deril said, "Yes, I know someone else could take on this mission, but they wouldn't have the chance I do."

  "I know," Hanir said, but he looked troubled. "Few have your powers. Not to mention, a mission like this depends on secrecy. The fewer people who know, the better."

  "I won't fail you," Deril said, wishing he felt as confident as his words.

  Hanir smiled, but it looked forced. "I believe in you, Deril. As strange as it might sound, I think you've grown a lot in these last few weeks."

  "I still wish there were another way," Deril said, casting a quick glance at the others, who looked restless. "But we can't send an army, and I need some Fireweavers on my side to get through the Frozen Lands. Fireweavers I trust."

  "At least as much as you can trust any Fireweaver," Hanir said. Deril could see the internal war behind the captain's eyes. For a man like him, Fireweavers deserved execution. But now he knew this very temple had been hiding Fireweavers.

  "They've proven themselves," Deril said. "I trust them without question."

  "I'm glad you can trust them," Hanir said. "And I hope you're right in doing so."

  Deril leaned on Hanir's stone desk. "If you can trust me, you can trust them."

  "All right," Hanir said, drumming his fingers on the desk. "Is there anything else you need, anything else you wish to tell me? If not, you should get going. The journey to Haladel is a long one, and I'm not sure you'll make it in time." He rose from his cushioned chair. "I'll have a carriage waiting for you after you finish saying goodbye to Tiran."

  "Thank you," Deril said, the words catching in his throat.

  Hanir strode out of the room. For a moment, Deril stayed in the chair, sorting through his thoughts, but then he rose and motioned for the others to follow.

  "You don't have to come in with me," he said, holding back tears.

  "I think I should," Kadin said. "He saved my life after all."

  Deril nodded, unable to say anything. He led them through the temple's corridors, relishing the warm, golden glow of the Sunlamps. They would find few Sunlamps once they were out on the road. Deril shuddered at the thought of going to the Frozen Lands.

  At last, they reached the chapel. Deril pushed through the door, and Kadin followed him inside. Rows and rows of pews stretched from one side of the chamber to the other. Beyond them, Tiran lay in a stone casket atop a large dais. Deril climbed the steps onto the dais and leaned upon Tiran's casket, his tears flowing once more.

  "I-I miss you so much already," Deril said, trembling. "You were the greatest friend I could have asked for. I feel like I didn't deserve you. And now I feel lost. You were the one person who could always keep me calm. What am I going to do now?"

  He leaned harder against the open casket, letting tears trickle down his cheeks. Tiran looked so peaceful there, his eyes closed as though he might be asleep.

  But he wasn't. He'd gone on to the Sun Kingdom.

  Or at least Deril wanted to believe that.

  Kadin stepped up beside him, put a hand on his shoulder. Deril barely knew the boy, but there was something comforting and tender in the gesture. No matter what Kadin had done, he was a good person deep down. However, Deril would have to find that person if he wanted to train Kadin. As long as Kadin felt unworthy, he would struggle with his powers.

  Kadin leaned over the edge of the casket and touched Tiran's arm. "I didn't really know you, but you saved my life. That means a lot to me."

  He stepped away, leaving Deril alone with Tiran's body. Deril wiped at his tears, but after a while, he decided it was a losing battle.

  "Goodbye, Tiran," he said, and turned to leave. Nothing in his life had ever felt more difficult.

  Chapter 37: In the Dungeon

  Rella lay upon the dungeon's cold stone floor, shivering despite her fur cloak. This part of the palace didn't have as many Sunlamps as the rest. In fact, it was so dark she could barely see. Her cell was large, but it felt like the walls were closing in around her.

  Trapped. How could she have gotten herself into this mess?

  A few hours had passed since the Fire Guards had shoved her into the cell. She had spent those hours alone, looking for some way to escape, but the cell was shielded against all weaves. What would happen to her if she didn't break out?

  The cell contained a stone bed and a large bucket she could use for her necessities. Thus far, the guards hadn't given her any food, but she tried not to worry about that.

  Occasionally, a guard would pass her cell without speaking. It didn't matter how many times she called out. They ignored her.

  She spent her time pacing the cell, cursing herself for her foolishness. A useless activity, but what else could she do? Alone with only her thoughts for company, she thought she might go insane. She prayed that they'd kill her soon, put an end to this misery.

  But they surely had other plans.

  Prisoners were mumbling to themselves in nearby cells. Had the isolation driven them insane? Had Atarin tortured them, as he would torture her? He
had to find out what she knew. A part of her wanted to tell him, but she couldn't. Deril's mission depended on her protecting her knowledge of the secret passage.

  But how much torture could she stand before she'd break?

  Footsteps came from the distance, growing louder. She stepped to the edge of her cell and peered through the bars, hoping the new arrival would speak to her, give her some idea of what they intended to do with her. Not knowing her fate was the worst feeling of her life.

  The person approached, casting a shadow upon the gray stone walls. When he stepped into her view, her stomach lurched. It was Atarin.

  Two more people joined him: Karik and Talin, the man who'd first trained her Firelord abilities. What was Talin doing here?

  Atarin stepped toward the cell, his eyes cold and hard. "It's time to find out what you've truly been doing. How did you find the secret passage leading to the Sunlord's room?"

  "It was an accident," she said. "I noticed a part of the floor that looked odd."

  "You're lying," Atarin said. "That passage is from below your wardrobe. You had to make a hole in the wardrobe. You couldn't have known about it." He turned to Talin. "Punish her for her lies."

  Rella trembled. "W-what are you going to do?"

  "I have special talents with Orange Firecasting," Talin said, his expression blank, as though he was hiding his true feelings. "Atarin likes to make use of those talents."

  "Please, don't," Rella said. She had experienced only the weakest Orange castings, and the pain had been almost unbearable. How would it feel when they did intend to torture her?

  "No, it is necessary," Atarin said. "However, if you are truthful with us, there will be no reason to harm you. Perhaps you need a little reminder first." He paused a moment. "And keep in mind that Talin can do much worse than he's about to do."

  Talin's face remained expressionless. He had struck her previously as a bit cold, and his lack of emotion unnerved her. It seemed like an act. She swallowed against sudden dryness in her throat.