The Path of the Storm (The Evermen Saga, Book Three)

by James Maxwell

  Ella now knew they possessed this power.

  "Can you make it?" she asked. "It's a long way across the harbour."

  "I can try," Killian said. "I'm a Tingaran. These are my people."

  He continued to chant, rising further into the air. His body tilted and he increased speed, and then he was over the water. Looking back at Ella, he waved his hand.

  Then he was gone.

  58

  "LORD REGENT," a Tingaran officer called, "the soldiers will soon be at Imperial Square."

  With Lady Alise's refusal to help, Rogan decided to try one last time, though he knew it was hopeless; there was nothing he hadn't already said. He walked back out onto the balcony, feeling the wind crisp in his face, carrying up to him the shouts and cries of the heaving mob below.

  The balcony was designed for Tingara's rulers to address those below, and Rogan didn't have to strain to make himself heard.

  He looked out over the crowd, seeing craftsmen and farmers, builders and merchants. Rogan felt no anger at these people, only pity.

  "People of Seranthia, once more I plead with you to calm yourselves. If you send forth representatives from your numbers I will hear your requests. If they are within my power to grant, I promise you I will grant them."

  Rogan saw Bastian below, bellowing as he called out to the crowd. His words were carried up. "We don't have requests, do we? We have demands!"

  "Then let me hear them!" Rogan cried

  "Tell us your words were lies! Take back your denigration of the Evermen!"

  "There are those of the Evermen who helped us all," Rogan said, "and still do. But they were no gods. I cannot tell you a lie."

  The crowd roared in defiance.

  Bastian shouted again. "Relinquish your clinging grip on power. Give us back our nation!"

  "There is no wish closer to my heart. I promise you that within a month, a Tingaran will rule in my stead."

  "That's not good enough!"

  Rogan bowed his head. In conscience, he couldn't give them what they wanted. Better that he be known as a murderer for what happened this day, than the fragile Empire be broken.

  Someone joined Rogan on the balcony. Turning, his eyes widened in surprise as he saw it was Lady Alise.

  Rogan took a step back, allowing her to come forward.

  "Seranthians, Tingarans, my people," she began. "The younger among you won't know my face, but your fathers and grandfathers will know me. My name is Alise, and Emperor Xenovere, the fifth of that name, was my brother."

  Rogan saw the crowd still. Bastian's shouts died on his lips. This was news to them all.

  "My brother was a cruel, vindictive man. I don't have to explain myself to you, as Tingarans and residents of Seranthia, you know my words are true."

  Lady Alise licked her lips, before going on.

  "Xenovere hanged my husband, Lord Aidan, for treason, for acting against his tyranny. I watched as he writhed and struggled on the rope, as his face turned purple, and the life left his eyes, telling me that my husband was dead. I tell you this so you know that I am no tyrant, as he was. The madness that inflicted him is not carried on in my blood."

  "Where have you been?" someone screamed up. "When we've been dying, where have you been?"

  "When I had my husband's child, I fled my brother's wrath. He sent his men after me, and I was captured. They took my child from me, and I was exiled to the Isle of Ana. I haven't set foot off that barren island in more than twenty years. If you have suffered, then let me tell you, so have I."

  The crowd stirred uncertainly.

  "Please, return to your homes, before this day becomes a day remembered for darkness. Don't let today be the day your sons and daughters are killed, and the Empire turned to chaos. I understand your anger, but together we will get better, day by day. My son was taken from me. Don't let your children be harmed because rage held sway. My son…" Lady Alise trailed off. "His name was Killian, and I don't know if he's alive or dead."

  Rogan saw a strange shape, rising above the sea of people. As one, the heads in the crowd turned to follow.

  A man in black garments held his arms stretched out at his sides as he rose into the air. He had hair the colour of fire.

  The man continued to rise, until he was high over the surging mass of people.

  The crowd looked on in awe.

  Rogan's eyes went wide. He looked at Lady Alise. The blood had drained from her face.

  Lady Alise turned to Rogan, and he spoke, unable to keep the tremor from his voice.

  "Your son has the blood of the ancients in his veins," Rogan said. "He gets it from his father, Lord Aidan, and far back, from the Evermen. Believe me when I tell you. Your son is descended from Evrin Evenstar, the Lord of the Sky."

  Lady Alise turned back to the crowd, watching open-mouthed as the young man continued to rise, drawing level with the balcony.

  Rogan looked at Killian, and then at Lady Alise. The resemblance was indisputable. "Lady Alise, this is your son."

  "Mother?" Killian said. "Is it really you?"

  "People of Tingara!" Lady Alise cried. "I am Alise, and the mad Emperor Xenovere was my brother." She held out a trembling hand. "This is my son, Killian!"

  In unison, the people below sank to their knees.

  A chant began, welling up from the crowd, starting as a murmur and building volume until it became a roar.

  Rogan tried to catch what they were saying. Was it "Emperor"? Then the voices built until it was unmistakeable, the roar rising from the great city Seranthia until it could be heard from all quarters.

  "Everman!" the crowd roared. "Everman!"

  "Everman!"

  59

  A STIFF wind blew from the west, driving the flotilla of vessels ever onwards. Deep blue ocean stretched out in all directions, an endless expanse of curling waves that made the idea of land seem a dream.

  Leading the fleet, the warship Seekrieger lumbered over each crest before plunging into the trough behind it. After so many weeks at sea the men and women aboard were weary. Water and food were both being strictly rationed, while doubts grew among those aboard that their destination even existed.

  A man with long black hair tied behind his head stood at the rail with a slim auburn-haired woman. Together they stared into the water, sharing a companionable silence, each thinking their own thoughts.

  ~

  MIRO thought about the vibrant new world they'd discovered across the sea, only to see it ravaged beyond belief. He thought about the events that had brought them to that place.

  Tomas's poisoning… Please, let him yet survive to be cured!

  Ella's discovery in Toro Marossa's journal; she'd found the mention of islands; who could have known there was a continent out there?

  The mutiny aboard the Delphin… Amber's discovery of the caravel, the terrible storm, and their subsequent capture by this very ship.

  The dark times: the siege at Wengwai; the horrors perpetuated by Sentar Scythran.

  The destruction of Emirald.

  Miro had seen a land the size of the Tingaran Empire utterly destroyed within a matter of months. He couldn't let that happen to his homeland.

  He thought about his conversations with Emir Volkan. He didn't agree with the way these people had turned their backs on lore, yet some of the discoveries they'd made without it were incredible.

  The Veldrins could build bigger, more powerful ships than anyone in the Empire, including the Buchalanti. Their houses, mills, bridges and walls were conceived with a skill and ingenuity that required no builders' runes to withstand the mighty forces of volcanoes and cannon. The alchemists knew about chemicals and the workings of the human body. Black powder gave these people projectile weapons more powerful than any rail-bow.

  When the revenants came, it would be with the power of black powder at their disposal. They would bring ships, and they would bring cannon.

  Seranthia had its massive Wall. The Petryan capital, had walls around Tlaxor, the t
iered city. Ralanast, the great Halrana city, was encircled by walls.

  Sarostar, the city of the nine bridges, had no walls.

  ~

  AMBER also thought about Tomas. He'd only been burned on the backs of his legs. He could now be recovered on his own; it was possible, wasn't it?

  She had the book that the alchemist, Tungawa, had given her, but she still wished she had the cure itself. He had said to give it to the most gifted loremaster.

  Amber knew who she would depend on to decipher the wordy descriptions, strange symbols, and formulae. She only hoped Ella would be in Altura when they arrived home.

  She was sad the old alchemist had been killed, and in such a senseless manner: in a struggle over an ox-drawn cart. He'd risked his life to rescue her from torment and death, and then risked it again to save her husband.

  Amber thought about the refugees of Veldria they carried on these mighty vessels. First she would see to Tomas, but afterwards there would be a great task ahead to find them new homes in Altura. Amber decided she would apply herself to that task. They would be afraid and confronted by strange people, confusing customs, and alien items of lore. They would know nothing of nightlamps and heatplates, timepieces and drudges. Things that Amber found commonplace would fill them with trepidation, but hopefully with wonder as well. How would they react to the Crystal Palace cycling through its evening colours? Would they shy away from stepping onto the Runebridge? Amber promised herself that she would help them adjust, and show them that lore could do more than kill.

  "Miro," Amber suddenly broke the silence, "did I do the right thing by coming? Do you think I should have gone back to Altura, to be by Tomas's side?"

  Miro was a long time in responding. "I don't know, Amber. Only you could make the decision to come. There's something I do know, however."

  "What?"

  "You put the device in the hold of the Delphin, saving us from certain death at the hands of Carver's men. You found the map on the volcanic islands that told us there was a great land to the west. You found the caravel that Toro Marossa left behind. You saved our lives when our voyage took us into the path of the storm. You found the Alchemists' Guild. You rescued me from Sentar Scythran. If you hadn't come, we wouldn't be here now."

  ~

  A WEEK later, Miro and Amber again stood at the rail when the lookout cried out. "Ship ahoy!"

  Sailors and refugees soon joined them at the rail as everyone fought to get a glimpse of the vessel.

  "Could it be the enemy?" Amber asked Miro.

  "I doubt it. I expect Sentar Scythran is salvaging whatever ships we didn't destroy and building new ones. He'll be searching other towns — I'm sure that wasn't the only harbour on the coast of Veldria. No, I doubt they would have made chase this quickly."

  Miro's words were proved true when a streamlined vessel came into view, rakish and built for speed. The sails glowed with a multitude of colours, shimmering as runes were activated and deactivated by the man who controlled the ship.

  Miro broke out in a broad smile. "It's the Infinity! What are they doing out here? We're still in the deep zone!"

  The Buchalanti ship sped through the water, tilting dangerously close to the water as it tacked across the lumbering warship's beam. The Seekrieger dwarfed the Infinity, but there was something inordinately beautiful about the magical glowing ship.

  Miro turned as a newcomer joined him and Amber at the rail.

  "Is this ship commanded by the Buchalanti?" Commodore Deniz asked.

  "You know who they are?" Amber said.

  "Legend says the Buchalanti saved us in the past, taking us on a great voyage away from a terrible war. Without our saviours, we would never have settled Veldria, nor any of the lands in the north."

  "This is your people's first experience of lore, Commodore," Miro said. "I'm glad this is how you're seeing it."

  Runes covered the ship, matrices of arcane symbols lit up with vivid colours flickering from hue to hue. Miro saw a broad-shouldered figure standing astride on the deck, his mouth opened wide as he chanted. The sonorous voice of Sailmaster Scherlic was carried over to them on the cool sea breeze.

  "Reef sails!" Commodore Deniz turned and called, striding on the deck to take command of his vessel. "They're going to come alongside us!"

  It took some time for the warship to slow. The Infinity tacked back and forth, each movement bringing her closer to the Seekrieger.

  The sailors of Raj Buchalantas swarmed on the rigging and Miro could now make out their individual faces. Then Amber grabbed Miro's arm so hard he jumped. "Look," she pointed. "Look!"

  A woman stood beside Sailmaster Scherlic on the bridge, one hand holding the mast, the other waving to grab their attention. She wore a green dress and her pale golden hair blew in the wind.

  Ella smiled broadly, releasing the mast and waving with both arms. Miro and Amber exchanged glances, both grinning and waving in return.

  Both vessels gradually slowed until they were alongside each other with twenty paces between them, decks rising and falling as they were tossed in the waves.

  "We've been looking for you for a long time!" Ella called.

  Miro felt Amber's hand slip inside his, and he squeezed it tightly. They were all smiling.

  "We had some trouble along the way!" Miro called.

  "I'll bet that's an understatement!"

  "Friends of yours?" Commodore Deniz's voice came from behind Miro.

  "My sister," Miro said, still grinning.

  "Miro, that ship is the fastest thing I've seen on the water. You'll need to prepare the way for my people. We know the way, and I'll make sure we get there. We'll put down a boat to take you across. Go."

  "We're coming aboard your ship!" Amber cried.

  "I'll see if we have room!" Ella called, grinning. "You can have the Sailmaster's cabin!"

  Miro shook Commodore Deniz's hand. "You have my word we'll be ready for your arrival, Commodore."

  "Thank you, Miro."

  Miro took Amber's hand and together they quickly gathered their few possessions. They followed one of Deniz's men to the side of the ship, where a ladder led down to the waiting longboat.

  The sea was as calm as it ever was out here in open water, and entering the boat was difficult, but with a push against the side of the Seekrieger they were away.

  Miro and Amber reached the Infinity with Scherlic gazing down at them from above and Ella looking on and grinning.

  "Permission to come aboard?" Miro called up to Scherlic.

  "Permission granted," the Sailmaster said, as sober-faced as ever.

  "You first," Miro said to Amber.

  Miro held the longboat fast to the ladder as Amber began to climb.

  He looked over at the Seekrieger, and in the distance saw the other Veldrin vessels drawing near.

  Boarding the Infinity gave Miro a greater sense of pleasure than he could have imagined, but still, the greatest pleasure came from seeing Ella again after so long, safe and well.

  Soon, they would be home.

  60

  THE Infinity turned and headed swiftly east, as fast as she could travel, soon leaving the Veldrin fleet behind. In under a week she would be docking at the port in Castlemere.

  Ella, Miro and Amber spent their time standing at the ship's rail, feeling the wind of her passage strong in their faces and talking.

  "I have so much news, I don't know where to start," Ella said.

  "Ella," Amber interrupted, "have you been through Sarostar? Please, is Tomas still alive?"

  "I'm sorry," Ella said. "I took a ship from Seranthia to Castlemere, and then I found Sailmaster Scherlic and made him help me look for you. The last time I was in Altura I was with you."

  "Oh," Amber said. She bowed her head.

  "I did discover one thing, though. Miro, they need you back in Altura. They're all desperate for you to return. I have some bad news.

  "Tell me," Miro said.

  "Rorelan's dead. The decision was unanimo
us, they barely discussed it. You're now High Lord of Altura."

  Amber lifted her head to look at her husband. "High Lord?"

  "Poor man," said Miro. "He was brave, Rorelan, in his own way. I don't know if we could have won the war without him."

  Ella turned to Amber. "It'll sink in," she said, tilting her head in Miro's direction.

  "They didn't mention Tomas?"

  "I'm sorry. We'll only know when we get back to Altura. There's more news."

  "What else?" Miro asked.

  "There's a new Emperor."

  "What?" Miro exclaimed, shock crossing his face. He suddenly scowled. "Surely not one of the Tingaran commanders who…"

  "It's Killian, although I'm not sure how happy he is about it."

  Ella told them the story of Killian's ancestry. "Lord Aidan's revelation of how Xenovere had killed the Halrana High Lord's daughter led to the Western Rebellion. He and his wife were both convicted of treason. Lord Aidan was hanged while Lady Alise, Killian's mother, was exiled. Killian grew up in Salvation with no idea of who his parents were."

  "You brought him back through the portal? How?"

  "I found a way to cross to Shar, the world where Killian was trapped. While he was there he learned to use his powers. You wouldn't believe it, the things he can do…"

  "I can believe it," said Miro grimly.

  Between Miro and Amber, with halting words and haunted eyes, they told Ella about their quest, and the terrible things they had seen.

  Ella felt dread well up within her as she listened.

  "How long do we have?" she finally asked.

  "Several months? A year? There's no way of knowing," her brother said.

  "How did you leave things with Killian?" Amber asked, evidently leaving the question open for Ella to answer as she wanted.

  "I only saw him briefly before I came to find you. The common people worship him, and he doesn't know how to take it. Even Bastian, a troublemaker, is behind him. The proclamation has been sent to all corners of the Empire. There's a new Emperor, and the nine-pointed star now flies from every building in Tingara and beyond. Killian's asked that the name be changed to the Empire of Merralya. I think Rogan approves. Between Rogan and Lady Alise, they'll help him become accustomed to rule. He still can't believe he has a mother, and a home, and a people."