by Rosie Scott
“I will let him know you are here, but I currently don't know if he is—”
“Talib!” The voice boomed out of the nearby room, though I could not see the speaker due to the opacity of the thick purple curtains which adorned its doorway. Our guide stopped short, and we halted behind him. “Who have you brought into my castle?”
“Kai Sera and her companions, my king,” the man known as Talib replied.
“Bring her to me. Promptly.”
“Yes, my king.” Talib glanced back to us, before leading us to the thick curtains, and spreading them to allow us inside.
King Adar sat at the end of a long, open room, with a thick purple carpet that matched the drapes leading from us to him. Given his intimidating voice, I expected him to be an angry or cruel man, but the look in his eyes was more of fascination as we were led toward him. On either side of us, lines of guards stood against the walls, curved swords on their belts. Some even carried arbalests, much like the tower guards we had seen along the Naharan border.
A servant poured tea into a cup to the king's side, where there was a plate of expensive foods adorning a tray. The king paid this no mind, watching me approach him from curious dark brown eyes. If it weren't for his crown, I wouldn't have figured him for a king. He was of average height, and though his skin was the color of rich cocoa, he looked just as human as anyone in his city. I had seen his thick facial hair from a distance at the coliseum, but it seemed even bushier in person, silver shining out brightly from between black strands. He petted his thick beard fondly as Talib came to a stop, before bowing to his king.
“Kai Sera, my king,” the servant offered.
“At last,” King Adar replied, looking over me and my companions with a face of awe. “At last, the legend has come before me.”
I found myself humbled by his words, and I bowed politely. “I am no legend, sir. Not yet.”
King Adar laughed boisterously. “Is that so?” The man of royalty was clearly humored by me.
“I am assuming you have heard of my upcoming battle,” I commented, standing back up from my bow.
“I have,” he agreed. “I find it interesting that Sirius has sent his most talented child to my country, and neither you or him has told me of your intentions.”
My stomach ached with anxiety, but I forged ahead in confidence anyway. “Sirius has not sent me at all. I have been excommunicated from Chairel, and I am here of my own free will.”
King Adar's head tilted slightly upon hearing this. “He has disowned you?”
“I have disowned him,” I corrected. “I do not agree with his rule. Chairel and I are currently...” I carefully selected my next word. “...hostile.”
King Adar watched me carefully, still rubbing his thick beard with a hand. “You are on the run,” he said.
“Yes.”
“Why have you come to my country? You are aware of our peaceful relationship with Chairel,” he said, thoughtfully.
“I have come here because we may be beneficial to one another,” I replied. “I offer you my powers in exchange for your help.”
“Somehow, word has gotten to you that I have requested your services,” the king commented.
“I have learned many kingdoms have requested me,” I replied, reminding him that he was not the only one who wanted me, simply the only one I offered my powers to.
“I requested you from Sirius,” the king reminded me, in turn. “It sounds as if to take you upon your offer now would be to involve my country into a war. Why is it you have chosen Nahara as your prospective ally?”
“Your country has the most to gain,” I replied. “Chairel holds its magic services hostage. I have seen the gifts you have sent to Sirius in efforts to keep him happy with you and allow your diplomats and battle veterans to be healed in Sera. You are beholden to him, because you know your armies are not yet strong enough to offer resistance to his monopoly. I know magic, King Adar. I know all of the elements. I could teach everyone who desires the knowledge in your city, right now, if you wanted. You could employ healers in your armies, and have water mages refill your rivers in the droughts of your land's ceaseless heat. With magic at your disposal, you could build your armies safer and faster, and you would become a force to be reckoned with.”
The king watched me silently for a moment, thoughtful. “Your offer is tempting,” he admitted.
“Then allow yourself to accept it,” I replied.
The king smiled. “It is a wonder Sirius never utilized you, Kai. You will go far.”
“I intend to.”
The older man grazed his fingertips past his facial hair once more. “My runners have reported a large rainstorm in the desert, nearly a full moon ago,” he noted, looking off to the side, in thought. “In all my years, I have never heard of such a thing. It coincides with your visit.”
“Yes. The storm was my own.”
There was a short pause. “The rainstorm lasted for three days and nights.”
“Yes,” I said. “I created it with the energy of a large sandstorm.”
“By yourself?” He questioned.
“By myself,” I replied.
“You are powerful,” he murmured, mostly to himself. “Kai, my country is riddled with problems, as I'm sure you know. Beasts continuously hammer down upon us from the east. My armies are tied up with holding them back. With Jaalam gone, T'ahal will be next. I'm not certain I can risk war with Chairel, even with all that you offer.”
“You cannot risk war with Chairel at all without me,” I countered. “And perhaps not yet, even with what I offer. Imagine what kinds of armies you could build, with less casualties and with magic at their disposal, in just a few short years. Whether you fight beasts or armies, you will be prepared.”
“What is your end goal in all of this?” King Adar questioned. “What would you expect from my kingdom?”
“I look to overthrow Sirius,” I replied. “I would ask for your alliance.”
“Overthrowing Sirius would mean war with your queen.”
“Yes, it would.”
King Adar reached over, taking his still steaming cup of tea, and bringing it to his lips. After he took a sip, he asked, “You mentioned not agreeing with Sirius's rule. What policies of his do you wish to change?”
“I will keep Sera a city of magic, but I do not wish for the monopoly. Any country would be able to teach magic to their people, without having to resort to immense travel and expense. I also wish to make necromancy legal.”
This appeared to interest King Adar. “Yes, I suppose you would. My runners reported you wielded it freely in my deserts.”
I watched for the king's reaction to this knowledge. His runners seemed to have their eyes everywhere. I did not apologize for wielding death magic on his lands, because it would insinuate I did something wrong. Instead, I waited for him to continue.
“Necromancy can be useful, if wielded honestly,” he went on, after a moment. “The sands of Nahara are full of the dead. Death magic would enable us to use this to our advantage against the beasts.”
I nodded, though I said nothing. It appeared the king was talking himself into my hands.
“Tell me, Kai. Why do you wish to fight in the coliseum?”
“For the freedom of a friend, and for your approval,” I replied, honestly.
He nodded. “You have both power and intelligence. I tell you, killing Gavriel would remove a thorn in my side. He kills every good fighter in this city and hoards his gold to spend on whores and little else. Kill him, Kai, and I will seriously consider your proposal.”
I felt a rush of relief, as if all of my decisions were vindicated by the king's words. “I appreciate that, King Adar.”
The man nodded. “I would require your aid, Kai, in rebuilding my armies. If we were to enter into an alliance against Chairel, I would not claim to control you, but I would expect your assistance in preparing our defenses.”
I bowed slightly. “I am prepared to give it.”
“I look forward to seeing what you can do in battle,” he said, “and I will look forward to our talk after your win.”
“As will I.” I hesitated. “May I make a request?”
“You may.”
“I would like it to be a field battle. My magic will devastate your coliseum.”
King Adar nodded. “It will be done. How much land do you require?”
“Enough to disturb it a great deal, and keep the public away from repercussions.”
The king noted this, and looked toward Talib, who stood by the wall. “Talib, make it happen.”
“Yes, my king.”
“I have a question for you,” I said.
“Yes?”
“May I use death magic at the battle?”
King Adar nodded. “Yes. We have had necromancy used in battles before, by slaves whose origins were unknown. It is very rare, but word should not make it to Chairel.” He shrugged. “Depending on the results and the nature of our talks afterward, it may not matter even if it does.”
“Thank you.” Despite my issues with some of the customs here, it appeared Nahara had been a good choice in destination for the beginnings of my journey. I had to win this battle. For me, for Anto, for my future endeavors.
King Adar's eyes were full of his expectations of me. “My pleasure.”
Fourteen
“Kai.” Cerin's voice woke me up. At first, I thought something was wrong, or that we were being attacked, since the room was so dark it was like I had died and was stuck in an endless purgatory of blackness. Then, I heard the distant laughter of a hyena, and I remembered where I was, and how I'd struggled for hours to fall asleep the night before. Now, I knew something was wrong, because the day had finally come.
“It is time, Kai.” Cerin's hand was warm on my arm. Across the thick stone wall, I could hear the others getting dressed for the day. My stomach sunk with sudden sickness, and my head grew hot.
“Kai,” Cerin said, again, his voice shaking.
“I'm awake,” I replied, my voice thick with fatigue. “I don't even know if I fell asleep.” I threw the bed sheets to the side, putting my feet on the stone floor. Somehow, even in the midst of the desert, it felt cool on my skin.
My mind swarmed itself with thoughts of the spells I'd learned this past week, of the times Cerin and I, and sometimes the others, had gone to the outskirts of the city to practice. I tried to go over tactics and spells in my head, but it only made me more nervous, so I forced my mind blank. At least, I tried. One thought insisted on repeating itself, over and over in my head, as I got dressed for the day.
Is this the day I die?
Cerin followed me around as I prepared. He'd clearly woken early, or perhaps he hadn't slept at all. Regardless, the man thought he would lose me, for he stayed by my side even before I could focus. My mind was replaying memories of Gavriel fighting in the coliseum, just one week ago today, when we had first arrived in T'ahal. I saw repeats of his violence and gore, and imagined it happening to me.
“Kai, wait,” Cerin pleaded, just as I went for the door, determined not to think, not to worry, not to feel. I stopped, feeling awful for being so despondent, but I was more terrified than I'd ever been. “We can run, Kai. Forget doing this and just go.”
How lovely that sounded. I shook my head, realizing as I felt warmth surrounding it that he held my face. “I cannot run forever. I am sorry.” The necromancer's hands shook even as they tried to offer comfort, and he kissed my face.
“I love you. You will win, Kai; you have to.” It was as if he was trying to convince himself. “This time next week, this will just be a memory.”
I nodded, though I said nothing. I felt that if I spoke, I would vomit. So I did not speak.
We met the others out in the hallway. If I felt like I was going to my grave, they also looked the part. They all watched me carefully like they were committing my face to memory, as if they would never see it again. The fact that I lacked in energy made it worse. I wondered if they would watch me fight, or if they would look away and hope for the best and expect the worst. I thought of Gavriel ripping the werewolf's head in two, and thought about if he did the same to me, and my friends were forced to watch. Then I thought of Theron and his experience, and the fact that this would traumatize him all over again. I thought all of these terrible things, and ended up shedding tears, even as we walked to the castle.
It looked taller this morning, standing amongst the backdrop of a slowly brightening early morning sky. Somewhere inside, Gavriel and Anto were both being prepared for our fight. With luck, Anto would never have to exert a bit of energy.
I felt warmth at my back, just beneath my cloak, and glanced over to see Cerin transferring as much energy as he could spare to me, in a last ditch effort to help. I said nothing, because I appreciated it, despite his small sacrifice.
We arrived at the door to the dungeon, as we had been told to do, to check in for the fight. The guard who stood watch asked for our names, and we gave them.
“Kai Sera, you can come with me. Your companions cannot enter with you.”
I gritted my teeth, fighting back emotion. This could very well be the last time I ever saw them. With burning eyes, I turned back to my friends. They all looked as if they were already in mourning.
Cerin's nostrils flared, and he grabbed me into a hug. “Please, Kai, reconsider.” His voice shook by my ear, so badly that his teeth rattled. “Please. Please.”
I said nothing as we parted. I had not changed my mind, and I could not continue to tell Cerin no. I hated to do it, even once. I did not want no to be my last word to him. His pleas were so desperate they broke my heart.
Nyx hugged me, next, paying no mind as the guard behind us huffed in impatience. “I love you, woman. Kill the bastard. Kill him good, and we will go drinking tonight and get wasted. Do whatever you want to do.” Her voice choked up a bit as we parted. “You are the best friend I've ever had, Kai. Do not inconvenience me into finding another.” It was said partially in jest, but even Nyx could not make the joke work at a time like this.
Jakan also hugged me, rambling thank yous over hiccups of emotion.
“I will bring you Anto,” I managed to promise him.
Last, was Theron. The ranger was not the emotional type, and the others did not know how well we had connected the week before. He nodded once toward me, and patted my arm with a warm hand. A knowing glance passed between us, as he pleaded for me to keep from making the mistakes of others in his past.
“Make history, Kai,” he told me. “Someday, the children at your university will read about this day, and how it changed the world.”
My eyes were on the ranger, my mind stuck on his optimistic tone. He spoke as if he had no doubts I would make it through this. Somehow, his words were the ones which stuck with me most, even as the guard insisted I come with him, and even as I heard Cerin's cries after me. I heard the guards fight with him to stay back, even as I was led beneath the castle. They threatened imprisonment, and Cerin barely heard them, yelling reminders after me until I could hear him no more.
I forced myself to repeat Theron's words in my head, over and over, as I was led by guards through hallways of dungeon cells, and into a room with both officials and guards, and paperwork that sat on a table.
One of the officials glanced up, bored, and nodded toward the paperwork. “Please read this and sign, gladiator.”
“What is this?” I questioned, moving to the table, and picking up the quill with a shaking hand.
“You signed off as both the fighter and the owner, so this is a disclosure. In the case of your death today, we want to ensure financial safety from any legal processes that your family members would force upon us. To say it quickly, we are not responsible for your death today. You are.” The official stared at his nails as he spoke, as if they were more interesting.
“My family would thank you for making their jobs easier,” I said, dryly, as I finished reading the statement and
signed.
I was taken down another hallway, and led to a cell door, which I was told to go through as the guards stayed back. I did so, stepping within, and finding myself face to face with Anto, who stood on my right, on the other side of some bars.
“Kai Sera,” the orc said, nodding toward me with admiration. “You have come.”
“I told you I would,” I replied, my heart thumping against my chest as I watched more officials file into the room before us. Among them was Ali Sarraf, who looked upon both Anto and I with some distance. It was clear he thought we would both die today.
“Anto, you may go ahead,” Ali said. Though I was unsure as to what would happen, Anto began to strip in the next cell over. I looked to the other side, embarrassed and confused.
“What is this?” I asked, alarmed.
“We have to ensure the fighters bring nothing with them that has not been pre-approved,” said one of the officials, as if this was all business as usual.
Though I frowned, I said nothing. I had not remembered hearing of such a requirement, but there was little I could do about it now. I understood the precaution, though I wouldn't be happy about following the rule.
“Just the two arm blades, then?” asked the official.
“You know this,” Ali retorted, frustrated. “He has been through here hundreds of times.”
“You know the protocol, Ali,” came the reply. The man checked through the gear on the table, inspecting two long blades which looked as if they were attached to bracelets. After finding them satisfactory, he nodded toward Anto. “You may dress.” Glancing toward me, he said, “Strip, please.”
I breathed shallowly through my nostrils as I did what they asked, pulling off each piece of armor until I was fully naked. Thankfully, Anto appeared to understand my embarrassment, and faced forward the whole time. Guards walked to my cell, pulling my armor off the ground and inspecting it, ensuring I had no hidden compartments or poisons.
