"Let's get you into the city," Cyrus said, his expression suddenly grave. "I'm afraid it's been too long since you were bitten. I have some healing skill, but it might not be enough."
Berig felt sick. All this time, he'd thought they could heal Aric's illness once they got to Mountainside. As they entered the city, Danica stood close to Aric, supporting him. He tried to hide his weakness, but it was more obvious than ever.
On the other side of the gate stood clean cobblestone streets and sturdy stone buildings, all arranged in neat rectangles. People were going about their business in the bright afternoon sunlight, looking more cheerful than the people anywhere else in the empire.
"What do you think of Mountainside?" Cyrus asked as he led them through the streets. People greeted him in passing but didn't act as though he were anyone important. Strange. Berig figured they'd be more in awe of a sorcerer.
"It all looks like the nice parts of other cities," Berig said.
"We are quite a bit more prosperous here," Cyrus said. "We have a strong spirit of community, of the people doing their part in helping out those who are less fortunate. Not like Warrick's government, which only helps the less fortunate in theory. Most of the taxes you pay end up in the hands of government officials, or go to make Imperia better."
"Yeah, I know how that is," Berig said. "I grew up on the streets in Bradenton. I don't care what Warrick says. He doesn't lift a hand to help the poor."
"Not unless they support him," Talia said.
Cyrus led the party to a large stone building in the center of the city. "This is the headquarters of the Order here. The only place in the entire empire where we can operate in the open. You'll find beds and bathing chambers." He smiled. "After all, I think you could use both after such a long journey."
"Thank you for trusting us," Ander said.
Cyrus led them through the halls of the building and into a room containing many beds, only a few of which were occupied. "As I said, I know of you, Lord Ander. Also, through reading the Webs of Fate, I've seen that you all are to play vital roles in our history."
"What do you mean by Webs of Fate?" Berig asked.
"That's the way one reads the future. The future is like an intricate web, where everything depends on something else. The web seems inclined to favor some futures more strongly than others, and in these futures, you may play a big role. I can't control what decisions you make. Nor can the Webs of Fate. But I can tell you that certain outcomes are better than others. Some paths along the web, though not very many, even predict Warrick's defeat."
"That reminds me," Ander said, "do you know of Nadia's quest?"
"Yes, I do. I recently lent her some assistance in the Oasis Outpost. She, Markus, and Rik all made it across the plains. I can't tell you if their plan will succeed, but they stand the best chance of ending the threat in the near future." He paused. "And so do you, Lord Ander."
"What do you mean?"
The party had begun choosing beds, unloading their things while they listened to the conversation. The other Order members, sitting toward the back of the room, didn't appear to be paying attention. Berig took a seat on a soft bed near a window, relieving his aching feet.
"It is not yet time to go down that route," Cyrus said. "Should Nadia fail in her quest, the duty to stop Warrick may fall to you."
"What about the rest of us?" Aric asked, sitting on a bed with his back against the stone wall, his face pale.
"I see many paths," Cyrus said. "Your path may diverge from Ander's. Of course, all decisions are up to you. I can merely guide you toward what I think are the best outcomes." He stepped toward Aric's bed. "Now let me see if I can heal you."
Cyrus closed his eyes, placed a hand on Aric's chest, and stood there silently for at least a minute. Berig and the rest of the party watched with apprehension.
When Cyrus opened his eyes, he shook his head and backed a few steps away. "I've done all I can, Aric. For now, we'll have to wait and see. We should know in a few weeks if you'll recover. If you show no signs of improvement, you'll have to go to Luminia."
Aric's eyes widened. "Luminia? But that's outside the Empire."
"There's a way out of the Empire nearby," Cyrus said, "though you'll have to elude the Imperial Guards first."
"Let's hope I recover, then," Aric said.
* * * * *
On the day following the monster's defeat, the people of Bradenton held a feast in honor of Markus and the others, who'd been staying at a local inn owned by a man named Liam. That morning, while waiting for the feast, Markus ate a small breakfast. He still couldn't believe that he'd struck the killing blow—with Nadia's help, of course. It was strange being a hero.
Rik sat beside Markus, eating in unusual silence. After the initial joy of seeing each other alive had passed, every moment between them had become awkward.
Markus broke the tense silence. "Are you okay, Rik?"
Rik shook his head, looking down at his half-eaten plate of food. "I don't know. This quest has been rough. I used to think adventure was something great, that being a hero was something I really wanted. Now I'm not so sure. I feel like I've aged twenty years."
Alana settled down on the stool next to them. "We all have. Rik, it's normal to doubt these kinds of things. I understand how you feel, but we could really use your aid."
"I know," Rik said, "and that's what makes it so hard. I was there in Crayden, too. I remember how it was, what Warrick did. I want to come with you. I want to help, but I'm just not sure how much more of this I can take. Haven't you noticed? No one else has come close to death as often as I have on this quest. My luck can't last forever. I don't want to die."
"None of us do." Alana put a hand on his shoulder. "But that's what being a hero really is. You have to be willing to give up your life for a noble cause. No one ever said it was easy. In fact, it's probably the hardest thing you could ask a person to do."
Garet took a seat on the stool to Markus's right. "But it's something you have to do. You have to ask yourself this question. Can you live with the thought that we might die because you don't come with us? Is that fear stronger than your fear of death?"
"I-I don't know. I'm just sick of this. I've always thought I'd rather just leave the Empire. It's easier than killing an immortal sorcerer."
Markus had resolved to see this through, but he had the same doubts and worries. It wasn't long ago, after all, that his deepest desire had been to leave the Empire and Warrick behind, to start a new life somewhere that he didn't feel so trapped. To live in freedom.
But that would mean leaving the people of the Empire to Warrick's tyranny. Seeking only his own freedom was a selfish act, far from heroic. Back before this all started, he knew he would have made that decision. Now that they had a chance, he had to try.
Even if it killed him.
"I'll understand if you don't want to come," he said to Rik. "I know how hard this must be. You don't have the personal stake Nadia and I do. You didn't sign up to be a hero. Maybe you wanted some adventure, and I think you've had enough of that now."
"Amen to that," Rik said.
"You don't have to decide right now," Markus said. "We're going to rest a few days first." Let's just hope that isn't too long. There's no telling what Warrick might already know.
The feast that evening was large and magnificent. It took place outside, at the western edge of the city where everyone could see the monster. The townspeople hadn't decided what they were going to do about the monster. No one wanted to eat it, and they couldn't move it easily. They'd probably burn it.
Markus ate ravenously, enjoying a well-cooked meal after so long on the road. He and the rest of the party were seated at the high lord's table as honored guests. Throughout the feast, nearly every person from Bradenton came to thank them. Even many of the city's Imperial Guards had appeared at the feast, ignoring their duties for one night.
Markus and the others were careful not to discuss their plans, saying only that t
hey didn't intend to stay long.
After the feast, they returned to the inn, completely exhausted. For the second night in a row, Markus fell asleep as soon as his head hit the feather pillow. When he woke the next morning, he went downstairs even though his stomach felt full to bursting.
Nadia and Garet were already awake, sitting in the common room but not eating. Another man sat there with them—Captain Young of the Bradenton town guard, if Markus remembered correctly. The man had a short, reddish-brown beard. Markus nodded to him and took a seat.
"I heard you've met a man named Berig," the guard captain said. "How's he doing?"
Markus thought a moment. "The last I knew, he was joining a party to go to Mountainside and help out the Order. I don't even know if he's alive now. Of course, he really shouldn't be. None of us should, not after Crayden. You've heard about what happened, haven't you?"
The captain's mouth became a thin line. "Yes, Warrick himself told us. People like me who weren't sure about joining the Order before have all joined it now. Maybe it'll get us killed, but I didn't believe for a second any of the lies Warrick told us."
"So we can trust you, then?" Markus said.
"Well, as much as you can trust anyone."
Markus shrugged. "If you're a friend of Berig's, I think I can trust you. Berig might not be the most upstanding person around, but he's a good guy at heart."
"That sounds about right," the captain said. "I hope he's found some peace now with the Order. God knows he needs the structure and stability. I'm glad he found a way out of Bradenton, even if it does mean he's in violation of the law." He fell silent a moment. "So do you really think this spell of yours can kill Warrick? Nadia told me about it before you came down."
"It can kill him," Nadia said, "but that doesn't mean we'll succeed."
Markus glanced around the common room, making sure no one else was there. Even Liam was in another room, though Markus had the feeling they could trust the innkeeper. Berig had mentioned the man as a friend, just like the captain.
"Have you thought about how you're going to get into Imperia?" the captain asked.
"What do you mean?" Markus said.
"They don't let just anybody walk in. You'll need someone associated with the government to vouch for you, and I don't see how you'll find anyone willing."
Nadia's expression sank. "What about that Imperial Guard friend of Berig's?"
"I don't think he'll help," the captain said. "I know him. He's a good man, unlike so many in his profession, but he'd have to put a lot at risk. Besides, I don't think the word of anyone less than an Imperial Guard commander would be sufficient for entrance."
Markus gazed at the wooden table. "What can we do, then?"
"It's really not that difficult."
Markus turned to see that Rik had entered the room. "And how is that exactly?"
"It's simple, really. Have this Gram fellow teleport to Riverside. He can give a message to someone there, who will then go to your uncle. Your uncle still holds his rank as commander. If he comes with you, they'll let you in. Sounds like it should work at least."
Nadia smiled. "That's a great idea, Rik. We'll have to wait a little longer than I'd intended, but there's nothing we can do about that."
Six days passed before Uncle Theo appeared at the inn. Markus felt a strange mixture of emotions when he saw his uncle standing in the doorway. On the one hand, he was happy to see the man. On the other, he remembered that Uncle Theo had lied to him his whole life.
Markus rushed forward to hug Uncle Theo, but when he broke free, he glared at his uncle. "Why didn't you ever tell me what really happened to my parents?"
"I couldn't tell you. Warrick commanded me to keep it secret. Not only that, but I knew it would poison you to the idea of becoming an Imperial Guard."
"I don't think I needed any help there," Markus said.
"How'd you find out?"
"Cyrus at the Oasis Outpost. He helped me recall the memory."
"Well, I knew you'd find out eventually. I wish it could've come from me, but I'm sure you can understand why I didn't tell you. I couldn't. Not just because I was commanded not to, but also because I'm ashamed about that night."
Markus wanted to hate his uncle, but he couldn't find the energy. For the first time, Markus noticed the gray speckling in his uncle's brown beard, the tired look behind the man's eyes. Had Markus not seen the marks of a defeated man sooner? The marks of a man who regretted his past so much he wished it could disappear.
"I understand," Markus said. "I can't imagine how it felt to be part of that."
"Then you forgive me?"
"I don't know if I'd go that far. Forgiveness isn't exactly easy."
"I know," his uncle said. "If I can't forgive myself, why should you forgive me?" He sighed deeply, looking away for a moment. "So you need to get into Imperia. I knew you'd need to eventually, but I guess I also thought you'd never make it this far. I should've had more confidence in you. I should've been waiting here for you."
Markus put an arm around his uncle's shoulder. "It doesn't matter. You're here now."
"Just give me a day to rest. We'll set out tomorrow morning. In the meantime, you might want to pray that this works."
Markus, Nadia, and the rest of the party spent the day gathering the things they'd need, then went to bed early. All through the day, Rik had remained separate from the rest of the group, barely saying a word.
The next morning, they all woke early and went down to the common room for one last warm meal before leaving. Liam already had breakfast cooking.
Markus saw Rik sitting in the corner of the room. "Why don't you come sit with us?"
Rik hesitated, but he did join the rest of the party. He and Uncle Theo had shared greetings thus far, but that was about it. More than ever, Rik's expression showed that he didn't want to be there.
Markus took a breath. "Are you coming with us or not, Rik?"
Rik chewed on his lower lip. "This isn't easy to say. I know how much you want me to be there, but I can't do it anymore. Besides, I feel like I don't really add anything. Alana's much better at magic than me. The rest of you are all better with weapons."
"We could still use your help," Garet said.
"I'm sorry," Rik said. "I've made my decision. I'm not coming."
"I understand," Markus said. But he didn't understand. He wanted to give Rik a hard punch in the face. They'd all faced hardships on this quest. He'd even had doubts of his own. But this was more important than them, more important than anything in a long time.
Markus felt betrayed.
Chapter 56
Nadia sat atop her horse as they made their way southward toward Imperia, crossing grassland dotted with rolling hills and the occasional tree.
She had ridden horses a few times, so she felt comfortable. Garet also rode with ease. The rest, however, looked terrified of falling off, especially Markus. Before leaving Bradenton, they'd spent some of her gold to acquire these horses.
Markus had been silent and sullen for a while, and Nadia couldn't blame him.
"Are you feeling any better?" she asked.
"No. I can't believe he abandoned us." Markus shook his head. "You know what he said when we first set out to escape the Empire? Friends stick together."
Nadia didn't know what to say. She looked away, focusing on her horse's movement.
"I think Rik's finally grown up," Theo said, moving his horse up beside theirs. "Markus, not everyone is meant to be a hero. Rik got a taste of that life, and it wasn't to his liking."
Markus kept his gaze forward. "I don't care. He abandoned me."
"We'll manage without him," Alana said. "We'll find a way."
Nadia didn't want to think about what lay ahead. For so long, she'd focused on the immediate future, holding these thoughts at a distance. She wished she could adopt a more positive attitude like Alana.
With each passing day, Nadia became more anxious. They stopped in villages, staying at
rundown inns. The closer they got to Imperia, the more Imperial Guard presence they encountered. Theo had left his old commander's uniform in his belongings. He would put it on shortly before they reached the gates of Imperia, then use its influence to earn them entrance.
A somber mood hung over the group. Even if they killed Warrick, the chances were remote that they would all survive. Nadia couldn't bear the thought of losing any of them. The longer she spent with Garet and Alana, the closer she felt to them.
And then there was Markus. They'd shared a few kisses on the road. She knew by now that she loved him in a way she'd never loved Ander or Len. He was always there for her, and there was something endearing about his occasional awkwardness.
What if she survived and he didn't?
At last, a few days after leaving Bradenton, they rode within view of Imperia's walls. Theo looked intimidating in his commander's uniform. They left their horses at the stables outside Imperia and paid a man to watch over them.
Would they ever return to reclaim those horses?
They approached the stone gate, where a pair of Imperial Guards stood, watching them with narrowed eyes. What if the Imperial Guards saw through the ruse?
"Good afternoon, commander," said one of the Imperial Guards. "What brings you here?"
Theo kept his expression blank. "That is my business."
"Of course, commander," said the other Imperial Guard.
Both Imperial Guards turned and began cranking open the gate. Slowly, it rumbled open, revealing the clean streets and sturdy buildings beyond. Nadia tried to keep her disbelief off her face. This had been too easy.
Once the gate was open, the Imperial Guards ushered them through, then closed it behind them. More Imperial Guards stood on the other side of the gate, nodding to Theo as the party approached. Nadia tried to walk calmly despite her nerves.
"Why did they let us in so easily?" Nadia asked once they were farther into the city, walking among the bustling crowds and tall stone buildings.
Empire of Chains (World in Chains Book 1) Page 47
