Karathia—Past
Zaria
I saw and heard what Gerrett saw and heard. Deris held back whenever his grandfather wasn't looking. Whenever Hegatt took his eyes away from his grandson, Deris set the tablecloth on fire, then doused the flames with power whenever Hegatt sniffed, searching for the source of burning cloth.
Deris ducked his head and snickered whenever Hegatt frowned at his inability to locate the smell or the fire.
Suddenly, Deris went stiff, his head lifted and his eyes widened.
Hegatt had finally figured it out and sent scathing mindspeech to his misbehaving grandson.
Wellend, sitting at the other end of the table, bit back words and kept eating.
Wallend, who'd been having conversation with his wife and Helsa, ignored the entire incident.
Daris, on the other hand, watched Deris the whole time with hero-worship in her eyes.
Birds of a feather—isn't that what they say? Gerrett sent to me while pouring more wine for Helsa.
I can't say that dinner with the Blackmantle-Ardens is ever a pleasant experience, I replied. I couldn't really say which was worse—watching Helsa have a fit or seeing Deris destroy a hand-woven tablecloth trimmed in lace made by the finest lace makers Helsa could find.
He psychopath, Bekzi broke in. I'd allowed him to see what I was seeing through Gerrett.
Honey, I think he's more of a sociopath, I mentally sighed. Either way, it's not good for the rest of us.
We clean up after anyway, Bekzi lifted my hand and kissed it.
He and I were in the kitchen; poor Gerrett witnessed everything firsthand while filling empty wine cups in the dining hall.
I honestly hoped things would be different when Warlend arrived; I didn't want to watch Deris burn Helsa's palace to the ground, merely because he held the ability without the restraint of an inconvenient conscience.
* * *
Wylend, Warlend and Wellend's two wives arrived together the following morning. Helsa and Hegatt pretend-bowed to Warlend; Palia and Titia pretend-kissed Helsa and Hegatt. Wylend stood by, his eyes hooded so Hegatt and Helsa couldn't see the contempt he held for both.
Warlend didn't pretend-kiss anybody, including his wife.
"We have tea and cakes in the library," Wallend announced. He'd arrived late with Valia and the twins in tow. He didn't pretend to acknowledge anyone else—only his father.
Bekzi and I, taking up as little space as possible at the back of the hall, nodded to Gerrett and three other servants to run upstairs and serve the family and guests once the King arrived in the library.
What you see in Warlend? Bekzi asked as we made an extra pot of tea in case it was called for. Three had been sent to the library already, with a warming spell placed on each silver pot so it would be the proper temperature when served.
He has an announcement to make, and I doubt it will be to the liking of Hegatt, Helsa or Deris, I responded.
Bekzi blinked at me for a moment. We not know this yet?
You don't, I heaved a mental sigh. Things are about to get weird.
What's going on? Ilya sent.
Honey, the fur may fly before the day's out, I said.
* * *
BlackWing VII
Terrett
Yanzi asked me to come to Goor-Phin with him, to search for Quin. I'd agreed before he finished the question.
I would go anywhere and do anything if it meant we might find her; a preliminary scouting party hadn't seen her, but by their own admission, they hadn't searched the entire plantation.
Yanzi and I intended to do just that. He would go onto the plantation as a lion snake; I would provide the shield to protect others from the scrying of homicidal Karathians.
They wore a tracking device so the ASD could find them—that's all they needed. Morrett was still aboard BlackWing VII to conceal the ship from prying evil. Already my brother was endearing himself to me. I hoped he, Gerrett and I could have a private meal soon and talk about our pasts—all were different and yet alike in certain ways.
I had family, something I could never claim before.
If we could only find Quin, my life would be complete.
"You take," Yanzi walked into our shared suite at the safe house and handed a pistol to me. I blinked—it was a ranos pistol, provided by the ASD.
"You know how use?" Yanzi asked.
Enough to protect myself, I said.
"Good. Protect. You. Quin. Anybody else who need."
I have three brothers, I clapped Yanzi on the back with my free hand. Brother, are you interested in a drink?
"I interested," Yanzi grinned. "Beer?"
Whatever you want, I'll buy, I agreed.
"Did somebody say beer?" Winkler stood in our doorway.
"We say beer," Yanzi laughed. "You come. We sick wolf on bothering drunks."
Winkler threw back his head and laughed.
* * *
Karathia—Present
Morid
I'd been forgotten by all except Norn and Gale. Somehow, they'd found a hidden door in the corner of a storeroom where my cage had been left. With crates, boxes, old furniture and rolled up rugs all around me, I figured I'd been left there to rot with the rest of it.
Gale and Norn found me quickly, much to my surprise. The girl who'd helped them smuggle food and clothing to me on Hraede was gone; she'd been sent with Daris to an undisclosed location.
I imagined it was to serve Daris' underlings while she saw to another important facet of their operation.
Gale told me I was on Karathia, which troubled me greatly. A coup was in the works, yet I was helpless to warn anyone.
"Food package," Norn quietly passed the container through the bars of my cage. "Toiletries," he pushed the larger package Gale had carried through the same narrow opening. "You have a change of underclothes and wipes in there; we'll bring a full set of clean items tomorrow," he promised.
"Thank you. I can't say how much I appreciate this," I mumbled, opening the container of food.
"We understand," Gale said. "We're hoping for a way out of this soon. Until then, we'll do what we can for you."
I nodded; the scent of the food almost drove me wild with hunger. They could only feed me once a day without someone getting suspicious, and it never occurred at the same time of day.
Wise of them, but their strategy left me with a growling stomach most of the time. No, I wasn't complaining—I would have been grateful to have crumbs. Instead, I received a generous meal on most days and blessed them for getting that much to me. As yet, I had no idea how they managed, but my stomach and I thanked them every day.
Biting into the sandwich first, I chewed and contemplated the effect a coup would have on the planet and the Campiaan Alliance, because Karathia was one of the most important member planets of that Alliance.
If it were taken over by recognizable criminals, I anticipated that Campiaa would close Karathia's membership immediately, leaving it to Deris and Daris' lawless machinations.
That meant they'd likely allow warlocks and witches to hire out to whomever paid the most while charging stiff fees for the privilege of working offworld.
On the other hand, all legal imports would cease, seriously limiting the food supply until the black market extended its hand and offered whatever Karathia wanted—again for a premium price. I wasn't sure the twins had thought this through well enough to realize what sort of weight the throne brought with it.
One cannot rule a planet if that planet starves its citizens, levies taxes too heavy for them to bear and drives them to flee elsewhere; I'd seen it happen before, when lives were threatened after they refused to cooperate.
I'd lived on too many lawless worlds not to know better; Father could never house his family on an Alliance world because of his willingness to associate with criminals.
Bite. Chew. Bite. Chew.
My life had dwindled to the constant hunger for food and small comforts.
* * *
> Goor-Phin
Quin
Every day, I helped Dorgus lift Vardil from the water of his bath. Dorgus insisted on bathing Vardil himself; he only needed help getting the man in and out of the tub. Once Vardil was dressed, exercised and the suite cleaned, I carried food and other necessities for them.
Aside from that, Dorgus dismissed me. I used my extra time to help Janis, where I had a new task each day—carrying food to the Sirenali in the large shed.
Each time I made my way to the shed, I searched for tools or anything else casually left behind by those who tended the fields or repaired equipment. Whatever might get those chains off the Sirenali would be welcome.
So far, I'd found nothing.
Still, I was determined to do something to get them away; I couldn't leave them behind to die as Daris intended.
* * *
Karathia—Past
Zaria
Warlend has been in a meeting most of the afternoon with Wellend, I informed Ilya when he asked. The others are restless—Deris has set furniture on fire in the library, I added.
I'm worried, Ilya admitted. Wellend's wives are out for a ride and haven't returned yet; I sent two stable boys with them, just in case.
Is that unusual? I asked.
Probably not, but something isn't right—even I can feel it.
I'd felt that way for days. I suppose I could be forgiven for wanting his arms about me. Too many things were beyond control, once Warlend arrived.
Where's Wylend? Ilya asked.
Last I heard, he was cleaning up Deris' mess in the library, I said. He hasn't reprimanded the boy, but he wants to—I can see it clearly in his face.
I wouldn't just reprimand—I'd lock him up and see to it he couldn't use his talent again until he'd gone through extensive therapy and proved himself safe to walk free again, Ilya returned. If that never happened, then I'd burn the talent out of him.
You can do that?
It takes a majority of the King's Council to do it, but it can be done—as a last resort, you understand.
Yes, but has it ever been done to a member of the royal family?
Not to my knowledge. I'm surprised you haven't heard of this—you know everything else, Ilya said.
I guess I've never seen it in someone, or read it anywhere, I replied.
Ah. That makes sense. Don't let it worry you, cabbage. Keep me informed.
I will.
"Not worry," Bekzi gave me a swift hug. "We get through."
An announcement will be made at dinner, Gerrett's mindspeech interrupted us.
"Honey," I turned to Bekzi, who placed the finishing touches on the King's birthday dessert, "I hope they eat that, it looks delicious."
He leaned in to kiss me. It was a good kiss and I'll admit, it left me wanting more.
"You get more," he grinned. "Later."
* * *
I saw Wallend shortly before dinner. He was angry that he'd been left out of the meeting between his father and older brother. Wylend, who'd dropped by the kitchen for a glass of wine, was curious but not angry about being left out of the meeting.
I could see he'd resigned himself to things of that nature and, as he lived in the King's summer palace most of the time, the doings of the King and Prince-heir didn't affect him that much.
He missed Erland; I did see that. He'd asked Erland to come with him, but Erland despised Hegatt, Helsa and the twins, so he'd refused the invitation. I sympathized with Lord Erland Morphis completely; those people should have been related to me and I despised them, too.
"The food has been lovely," Wylend turned back to tell us before he carried his full wineglass out of the kitchen.
"Thank you, Prince Wylend," Bekzi and I dipped our heads to him.
* * *
Goor-Phin
Quin
"One dead from snake bite," Janis whispered as I helped her slice a roast for the evening meal. "Not one of ours," she added. "Died fast, from what I heard."
I shrugged indifferently. I didn't care that Vardil's or Daris' criminals died. All of them had innocent blood on their hands. If this kept up, however, Daris would have to bring in more of Vardil's scum to fill in for those lost.
Should Daris keep killing off innocent servants, I imagined she'd have to search for more of those, too.
It occurred to me, then.
One of Vardil's criminals likely had a key to the Sirenali's chains.
If he died of what appeared to be natural causes in his sleep and the keys were borrowed and then replaced, who would be the wiser?
"Alys says you speak—when necessary," Janis whispered as she laid slices of roast carefully on a platter.
I nodded and cut another slice off the carefully prepared roast. Janis was an exceptional cook. I hoped she and I survived; I knew of many who'd hire her in moments on my recommendation alone.
"Who has the keys—to the chains on those in the shed?" I mumbled my question.
"I can find out for you," Janis nodded and laid the last slice of roast. "There, hand that platter to Felk to take to her majesty's table."
* * *
Karathia—Past
Zaria
At least Warlend waited until the meal was eaten and dessert served and devoured before making his announcement.
What surprised me is that he called in all the servants to witness it, and included one or two members of his Council that he'd invited to dinner.
What's this about? Ilya's eyes met mine as all servants who weren't already in the dining hall to serve the family, gathered in the hall outside the kitchen. We'd go in together, as requested, lining the walls of the dining hall while we witnessed whatever Warlend was about to say.
I have no idea, I replied to Ilya's silent question.
Whatever the announcement was, it was Warlend's way of saying that there were too many witnesses; therefore, there would be no argument from family concerning his announcement.
Spelled globes of light floated above the table, bathing the long room in soft light. The table still looked pristine—except for the space around Deris.
He'd taken up burning the tablecloth again. The boy thought he'd gotten away with it, but I saw in Wellend's eyes that he'd been watching his nephew the whole time.
What else I saw in Wellend's eyes made me smother a gasp. It made me afraid to see what was in Warlend's determined gaze.
Honey, I sent to Ilya. I think we're about to hear what instigated the coup.
Bekzi, who stood beside me, grasped my hand in his; he'd overheard our silent exchange. He was worried, too.
* * *
Goor-Phin
Quin
Tall, sturdy Morth was the key holder. I didn't mind taking him—he was one of the rapists I'd kept from harming others after my arrival.
He'd killed or raped too often for me to feel any sympathy for him; his death would be an easier one than he deserved, too.
It would be simple enough to pass his death off as a difficulty of the heart, as he'd neglected to visit the med unit once his cock refused to rise. I suspected that nobody would miss him, either—he was a difficulty for all on the plantation. Why Daris brought him with her remained a mystery.
* * *
Karathia—Past
Zaria
As required whenever the King pronounced law or judgment, all others stood while he sat.
Hegatt didn't like it at all, while Deris cooked up more deviltry behind hooded eyes. "Say it so we can have drinks in the library," Helsa demanded. Warlend turned toward her.
"You will wish back those words," he began. "My decree is thus; today, upon my birthday, I wish to give a gift rather than receiving one. I, Warlend, King of Karathia, am abdicating my throne in favor of my son and heir, Wellend Arden, Crown Prince of Karathia. It has already been recorded in both our books. All that remains is for Wellend to remove the Heir's ring, as it will select his successor."
Deris, who'd been ignoring everyone in favor of devising his next set o
f torturous plans, perked up immediately.
"My King," Warlend rose and dipped his head to Wellend, who smiled genuinely at his father. Helsa's eyes grew round and greedy as they settled on the Heir's ring on Wellend's right hand.
Hegatt blinked in anticipation as Wellend pulled the ring from his finger and set it down in a clear space before him on the table.
They knew the ring would go to Deris. It would choose the designated heir of the prophecy.
All along the walls of the dining hall, servants held their breath—not in anticipation like Deris' family—no. They held their breath in dread, because the Heir would be someone who could and probably would destroy Karathia.
The ring, pale gold with a Tiralian crystal setting surrounded by smaller black diamonds, set on the table for only a moment before rising on its own in the air.
Deris' mouth formed an O, he expected the ring to fly in his direction. He held out his hand for it to come to him.
At eye-level to most at the table, the ring turned three times, as if it were taking stock of all present.
Helsa shrieked when the ring disappeared in a sudden flash of light.
* * *
"This is as I expected," Warlend snapped at Helsa as he watched his trunk being readied. He didn't want to spend the night under Helsa's roof. Wellend, named King before all in attendance, had already taken his two wives and left for the Palace.
"That ring belongs to Deris," Helsa hissed.
"No, wife, it does not. There is more to the prophecy than even you know, and Deris does not fit the full description. Take care from now on; you have a new King who has no illusions as to what your grandchildren are. In my mind, it will not be difficult to convince the Council that their power needs to be removed."
I saw and heard all this through Gerrett, who helped pack Warlend's things. Wylend had left Helsa's palace with his brother, although I'd seen disappointment in his eyes that the ring hadn't come to him.
He had to be a suitable choice—after all, he'd sat the throne after those who'd instigated the coup had been disposed of. What concerned me most about Wylend was why he hadn't told anyone this part of the story—that his father had abdicated in favor of Wellend, or that Wellend was King when the coup happened.
There was more to this story, and I waited to see how it would unfold.
SpellBreaker: First Ordinance, Book 4 Page 18
