Clara

by Suzanna J. Linton

  A shocked silence filled the room.

  “We should leave immediately,” spoke up Owen. “We cannot leave Emmerich in his hands.”

  The other men chorused their agreement but as the voices rose, Asher let out a piercing whistle, silencing them.

  “No one can guess the actions of a madman,” Asher said, “though I think it makes it more likely that Emmerich is well on his way to being dead now. We know that a long-standing feud was between the two, though none of us spoke of it or inquired into it. But we followed Emmerich because we wish to free Lorst from a sorcerer who would twist and pervert nature herself. And despite that feud, Emmerich has led us well.

  “Now, if we are to continue to serve him as he deserves, we must complete what he started: ousting Marduk from his throne. Herne, have we any recent news from the Tieran king?”

  “A rider came in last night, my lord. King Precene congratulates us on our victory and assures us his men are on the way.”

  “We need not inform him of Emmerich's capture as of yet. The Tierans are superstitious people and will take this as a bad omen.”

  “No doubt, my lord.”

  Asher took a deep breath. Lorst had an uneasy peace with Tier. It hadn't been that long ago since their last war together and many people still distrusted them. Hopefully, Precene wouldn't learn of his hiding the truth and take it as an excuse to go to war with them.

  “We have two months,” said Terrence, “before the snows come and make it impossible to leave the north.”

  “Two and a half, more like,” said Herne. “We're far enough south to risk waiting later.”

  “Winter is still a bad time for war,” pointed out Owen. “By the time the Tieran men get here, it may be too late to press our cause. We may have to winter here.”

  They fell silent as they considered the possibility.

  Finally, Wilhelm said, “What if we pushed on without the extra men?”

  “Marduk's army is large,” responded Asher, “and though it pains me to use them, the Tieran companies will have magic users among them who can help us. I would rather we won this without resorting to magic but we may not have that luxury any longer. The fact that Marduk could so easily send men here to snatch away both our Seer and our General means we will need all the help we can get.”

  He flexed his hand, thinking all of this over. Finally, he said, “I need a map.”

  One of the captains grabbed a map from a cubbyhole in the wall and unrolled it on the large table. They held down the corners with rocks and candlesticks. Asher bent over the map to study it.

  “How long,” he said, “would it take for us to get from here,” he pointed to Candor and then drew a straight line down with his finger, “to here?”

  “At least a month,” said Herne, “since there is a major city between us that we would have to subdue.”

  “We could bypass it. Use the river rather than the roads for as far as we can.

  “And risk going without stores?”

  “Aye.”

  “Then three se'ennights at the least if we push it. What is your plan?”

  “My plan is to have the Tierans meet us here, on the plain that lies to the west of Bertrand.” He pointed to the spot on the map.

  “It's risky. They may not make it in time.”

  “But they could. Perhaps the Tierans will have spells to quicken their travel.”

  “Aye, but do we want to risk our men's lives on that?”

  Asher looked around the table. “Are we?”

  The captains looked one to another. Terrence said, “It's foolhardy and mad.”

  “On the one hand, we should be cautious, but Marduk has struck our core. We must strike back, and I fear if we put it off until next spring, he will have grown too strong to defeat. We have all heard the rumors that something has his attention.”

  Silence fell in the room again. Finally, one by one, the men nodded their acquiescence.

  “There is the matter, now, of First Captain,” said Owen. “With Emmerich gone, you're now the Lord General.”

  Asher sighed. “Of course. Herne?”

  “Aye, my lord?”

  “You have the position, if you want it.”

  “There are more experienced men than I, my lord.”

  “I would have none other than you.”

  “Then I accept.”

  “Good. You can choose your replacement later. But, now, I have a letter to a king that I need to write.”

  Marduk paced his chambers. Early morning sunlight glided through the wide windows and the city outside glistened. Normally, he would be enjoying the view, but he couldn't hold his mind still long enough for it.

  Finally, someone knocked on the door.

  “Enter,” he said.

  Erin swept into the room, coming to a stop before Marduk and bowing. “The potion has finished taking affect.”

  “Excellent.” He clasped his hands together, as if to keep himself from flying apart in excitement. “I was concerned he would be too hearty. I need to keep Clara off-balance and we couldn't afford to wait overly long. Where is our little Seer?”

  “I believe she is still in her chambers.”

  “Good. Good. Go and fetch her. Bring her to Emmerich's room. I will be waiting there.”

  Clara stared down at the hoop of embroidery, trying to gain some interest in weaving the colored threads through the cream fabric. Beside her, Katerina hummed softly as she worked.

  A knock on the door brought a much-desired interruption and Clara set aside her “work” as the maid answered the door. A wizard she had often seen in Marduk's company came into the room. He bowed.

  “My lady,” he said, “my name is Erin and his Majesty has sent me to fetch you.”

  She stood, gathering up the bag that contained her writing utensils, and followed Erin out. Whatever was wrong caused the wizard to walk quickly and she had to stretch her legs to keep up. She gasped against the corset and feared another fainting episode by the time they finally reached the top of a tower on the Palace's far side. Marduk waited for them outside a door.

  “My lady, are you well?” he asked when they reached him.

  She shook her head as she tried to catch her breath.

  Marduk gave Erin a hard look. “My apologies for Wizard Erin's zealousness. Do you need to sit or lay down?”

  Clara shook her head. Her heart had finally slowed and she could breathe easily again.

  “My dear.” Marduk took her hands in his own and stared down at them, sorrow creasing his face. She fought the urge to snatch her hands away, remembering the creatures. “My dear, as you may have guessed, I have spies in the rebel army. It's a necessity. I wouldn't be surprised if Emmerich has–had–sent spies to my own court.” He looked up at her. “I also devised a plan to use one of my spies, my most trusted spy, to bring Emmerich here. I gave him a passing stone. Do you know what that is?”

  She shook her head.

  “It's like a portable portal. It only works once and will bring those who activate it back to the place where it was made. I gave Haggard such a stone.”

  At the name of Haggard, Clara looked down to keep Marduk from seeing the hatred and disgust that filled her eyes. Of course it had been Haggard. Who else, but that slaver?

  “The plan was to hold Emmerich as a captive, which isn't as bad as it sounds, in order to end this conflict. But Haggard was too late. Emmerich was badly hurt in the last battle and though we tried to heal him here, our best efforts came to naught. He died, Clara.”

  She stared up at him, into that handsome face she wanted to smash beneath her boot heel. She wanted to pluck out the eyes that gazed at her with sympathy. Tears misted her vision and, in horror, she covered her face with her hands. It could be a trick. It couldn't be Emmerich.

  “Would you like to see him?”

  She nodded, dropping her hands and letting him see her tears.

  Marduk opened the door to his left and gestured for her to enter. “I will be out he
re.”

  And Clara stepped into the room from her vision. She looked around, recognizing every stone in the floor and wall, every cold coal in the fireplace. Crows cawed. And there Emmerich lay, on the bed, hands folded over his chest, just as she Saw.

  Clara walked over to the bed, wishing this wasn't true. She stared at the body, willing for there to be a flicker, a momentary haze, to reveal the illusion. But nothing happened. Reaching out, she caressed his cheek. It was cold and very much real.

  With a sob, she dropped to her knees by the bed and laid her head on his side. If she had gone with him to Candor, maybe she could have prevented this. But he was a murderer. Didn't he deserve what he got?

  It didn't matter, though. She didn't know the Emmerich of then. All she knew was the Emmerich of now was gone.

  Raising her head, she looked at him and felt rage and grief consume her. No more, she swore. I am through with merely passing through this world. I will avenge his death.

  Standing, Clara leaned over Emmerich and kissed him. A bitter taste, like a tonic, touched her lips. She grimaced, wondering at the taste. Was that the poison Marduk had used to murder him? Turning, she spat onto the floor and rubbed her lips.

  Looking down at Emmerich, with tears streaking her face and rage and grief warring in her chest like dragons, she forgot to be afraid of her voice. Everything narrowed down to this moment, this place, and nothing else mattered.

  She said, “I love you.”

  Her voice croaked and cracked. Clara cleared her throat and swallowed, wishing there was water in the room. A tremor of fear snaked through her but she called upon her anger to suppress it. Again, with more confidence, she said, “I love you, and Marduk will pay for what he's done.”

  Leaning down again, she kissed Emmerich's forehead. She turned and left the room, closing the door behind her. Marduk, Katerina, and Erin stood on the landing outside, watching her. Erin's face was guarded while Katerina and Marduk regarded her with open sympathy.

  “Are you well, my lady?” Katerina asked.

  Reaching into her bag, Clara took out her chalk and slate and wrote, “I will be well. Where will he be buried?”

  “I cannot give him a large funeral,” said Marduk, “but I can arrange a private, secret service tonight.”

  “Thank you,” she wrote. Taking a deep breath, she continued. “I want to help you end this war. I wish to join your Court as its Seer.”

  Marduk smiled and it looked like the sun coming from behind a cloud. “My lady, your services will be most greatly appreciated it. And, I must confess, the thought of you leaving grieved me greatly. I've gotten used to having your beauty and friendship gracing my halls.”

  Clara forced a smile, all the while imagining sliding a dagger's blade across Marduk's throat, the crimson blood spilling down his chest.

  Chapter Thirty-Four

  Jarrett rolled his shoulder, grinning at his opponent. “Good blow,” he said. “But you need to be careful about blocking your left side.”

  “Aye, Captain,” said the soldier.

  “Captain Jarrett!”

  Turning, Jarrett spotted one of the young pages. He saluted his sparring partner before walking over to the boy. “Yes?”

  “His Majesty demands your presence.”

  Jarrett tossed the practice sword into the barrel with the others and followed the boy from the yard, passing many other mock battles and training in progress as he tried to knock some of the dust from his tunic.

  The boy led him into the king's private study, where Marduk was laughing over something his lackey, Erin, had said.

  “Jarrett, my friend,” he said.

  Jarrett bowed low and knelt onto one knee. “Your Majesty.”

  “Rise, rise. Would you care for some wine?”

  “No, your Majesty.” He stood.

  “Ah, yes, like most of my men, you prefer ale. I suppose I should start keeping the disgusting stuff on hand.”

  “Whatever pleases his Majesty.”

  “Hm.” Marduk regarded him for a moment with shrewd eyes. “Lady Clara is going to become a fixed member of the Court as our Seer. I understand you've only been recruiting men as you need them?”

  “Yes, your Majesty.”

  “I want you to gather your best men whose sole job is to protect her. She cannot go anywhere without at least two guards with her. Double the guard at the entrance of her wing. I expect you to be present at each of her Court appearances. Do you understand?”

  Oh, she's not going to like this, he thought. “Yes, your Majesty.”

  “You may go.”

  Jarrett bowed and left the room, going immediately to Clara's chambers, wondering what had changed to make Clara accept her new position. It was time to call the Rebellion leaders together. The guards saluted as he approached.

  “Is the lady in?” he asked.

  “Yes, captain,” one of the guards replied. “She looked ill, sir.”

  Frowning, he entered the wing and went to the chamber door, knocking. The door opened and Katerina shook her head upon seeing him.

  “Her ladyship is not well,” she said.

  “I must speak with her immediately.”

  “She has received some terrible news and is in no condition–”

  The door yanked open the rest of the way and Clara looked up at him with reddened eyes. She gestured for him to enter.

  “My lady,” he said, bowing and entering. “I've come to speak to you about the particulars of your guard, now that you're to be a permanent member of the Court.”

  She nodded and gestured toward the couch and chairs. Once comfortably seated, Jarrett began to run through what Marduk had instructed him.

  “I will take the first watch with the new guard tonight,” he said.

  Clara nodded and he stood, surprised she hadn't fought him over the order for her to be constantly accompanied.

  “If there are any problems, please let me know.” He bowed. “If you'll excuse me.”

  Something was wrong, he could feel it. Something had happened that deeply upset Clara and, tonight, he was going to find out what.

  Clara lay awake in her bed, unable to sleep. Every time she closed her eyes, she saw Emmerich's body and rage coursed through her again. She heard the slight creak of the door leading onto the balcony as it opened.

  Getting out of the bed, she pulled on her robe and pushed back the curtain to step into the sitting room. Three dark figures were entering the room.

  “Clara?” asked one of them, revealing it to be Jarrett.

  In answer, she turned to the table at her right and, using the flint and tinder there, lit the lamp on the table. Warm yellow light pooled around her in the room. Looking up, she was surprised to find the other two figures were Wizard Bruin and a spindly old man she did not recognize.

  “Clara,” said Jarrett, “I'm sure you've met Bruin. He's a member of our resistance. And this is Tanner, one of the leading guild members.”

  Tanner and Bruin bowed.

  Swallowing, Clara took a deep, shaky breath. Now that the moment had arrived, she felt nervous and afraid. “Good evening,” she said.

  The men looked at her, stunned, for a long moment. She clasped her hands behind her, trying not to shake. She had been practicing that phrase in her mind all afternoon but the fear that now shook her upon saying it nearly knocked her over. Finally, Tanner broke the moment by saying, “We were led to believe you were a mute, my lady.”

  “I-I am. Or, I-I was. Um.” She swallowed again. “This is hard to explain.”

  “Well,” said Bruin, “we don't have much time.”

  Taking a breath, Clara slowly and haltingly spoke about what had occurred that morning. “I-I have always been t-terrified to speak.”

  “Now your anger is greater than your fear,” Bruin finished for her.

  She nodded.

  “It's a phenomenon they teach about in the Academy. People are crippled not because of an injury of the body, but of the mind, and sometimes
it takes an event to undo the crippling.”

  “This is all well and good,” said Tanner, “but the news of Emmerich's death is most distressing.”

  “I-I haven't heard of a r-rebellion in Ber-Bertrand,” said Clara.

  “Marduk has laid enchantments over the whole of the city. They prohibit any treachery to leave. Trust me when I say we've tried sending messages and representatives. The results were not pleasant.”

  “But it doesn't keep treachery from occurring within the city,” said Jarrett. The light cast deep shadows under his eyes and his voice held a rough note. “Marduk relies on a network of spies to keep him informed. That's why the rebellion leadership is not very large. Those sympathetic to the rebellion, that's another story. We've been waiting for Emmerich to draw close before trying to do anything. Now it seems we have to choose a different tactic.”

  “The K-King of Tier is sending troops,” said Clara. “Th-that should be of great help.”

  “Yes. But who is leading the army now?”

  “C-Captain Asher.” Feeling terribly thirsty, she went to a nearby sideboard and poured herself a glass of water, which she sipped, letting the cool liquid soothe her throat.

  “I know Asher,” said Tanner. “He's the son of a minor baron and served in the army, when that army held its allegiance to King Tristan. He's a good man.”

  “We should try to assassinate the king,” spoke up Clara, her words ringing clear and unhindered.

  The three men stared at her. Finally, Bruin said, “What you suggest is foolish and more than a little mad.”

  “Why?”

  “Marduk doesn't surround himself with wards and enchantments because he's so strong. He can deflect nearly any attack on his own power. If I cannot get near Marduk, I don't see how you can.”

  “He thinks I am-m easily man-n-n-nipulated and u-u-used. In a few d-d-d-days is the b-ball to welcome me as Court Seer. I will make my m-m-move then.” She lifted her chin. “I swore I would av-venge Emmerich.”

  “If you fail, you could bring about the downfall of the whole rebellion, simply because of everything you know.”

  “Mard-duk says there are s-s-spies in Emmerich's army. I know nothing that he c-c-couldn't learn through them.”