Those sins had left me hollow, hungrier than before. There was no freedom, only self-loathing and a callous devotion to survival. That had been the first of many such horrors, all inflicted by me. I had done, time after time, what I most did not want to do. Being with Lucian exposed the demon I had become, and the thought of his sacrifice revived hope in something greater.
In that broken and dark moment, kneeling over Lucian, a glorious light flashed in my mind. It burned away the final fragments of my prideful shell, so that I no longer blocked the light from reaching me. It was a light of truth and goodness, a source of life. I had to be ready to die as Lucian had died for me. An old priest had once said words like that to me. Living free required an embrace of the possibility of death. Survival would no longer be my tyrant, not even in the Gloaming. Lucian had shattered those chains.
With a final nod of thanks, I turned away from him and walked straight to the center of the Gloaming. I thought of the suicide plan of leaping to the box that hung there. Where I had always been looking for strategies to survive during a falling, I now remembered how sometimes a man would fight against gravity. He would cling to the box, dangling above the fight below. Eventually his strength would give out and he would drop to meet the frenzied pace of the falling ground.
As I had told Lucian, it was death to stand on the mound of bones to await the fall, but death no longer concerned me. Men would often stand or fight below the box before a falling. Few of them got out alive, but between them reaching up to catch falling food and the occasional hanging body above, the distance between the box and the ground might shrink for an instant.
With my quickness, if everything aligned, I could have a momentary window to escape. A falling body could be like rungs on a ladder, reaching up to the box. The box would have its black metal flaps open. I knew that if I could gain upward momentum, I would reach whatever those dangling men had held. If not, I would surely die. Better to die like that than to go on living as I had.
As I arrived at the mouth of an alley looking onto the grim square, I marveled that no one had attacked me while I mourned over Lucian and came this far along open streets. Having given up my fear of death, maybe I looked insane, covered in blood and dirt, striding with purpose. I would have stayed away from a man like that.
I spied men lurking at the mouths of the other alleys leading into the square. They bore the marks of Gloaming veterans, preparing for an imminent falling. They crouched in the shadows and tried to look in every direction at once. I heard a yell and a brief fight, and silence settled again. We were all jockeying for the first position to dart into the square, and if you did not watch your back, another man would sneak up and kill for your spot.
These were my comrades. There was a hateful respect in the air, as if our fallen souls united below the black box, because we all knew that it was a mortal competition for who would get food and get out alive. Many would die, and not just the new men who fell.
The black pipe from the ceiling trembled, beginning its violent shake. The noise of the Gloaming rose. It was a grinding mechanical groan. The air quivered under the weight of it, sending a wind over the mound of bones and toward all of us. I gathered some bloodstained mud from around my bare feet and spread it across my face. I breathed in the stench of decay and let my own sigh join the horrible chorus.
The sound of a huge thud in the box was the sign for the charge. I raised my pole and exploded out of the alley. The ground was firm and I covered it in long strides. As the gates of the black box began to creak open, I saw the man opposite me charging. We locked stares, like bulls prepared to gore, until he swerved. Something about me made him decline the challenge.
My legs propelled me faster, hitting a full sprint as the black metal doors above gave way. Without the box’s floor, nothing kept the trash from falling.
I sprang up the mound of bones. Just as I crested it, I shifted towards a man running up the pile to my left. I jumped high and my feet connected on the man’s shoulders. I immediately leapt again, propelling myself off of him and higher into the air.
I dropped my pole mid-leap and grabbed the foot of a man who was hanging above me. Fighting raged below as I climbed up his body. I clawed and pulled and rose while he kicked at me.
As my hand reached the man’s shoulder, I saw his hand slipping from a rounded clasp of the metal door. He could not hold both of our weight, and his grip released just as I yanked myself up and snatched the clasp. Our eyes met as he fell, screaming in horror. He landed on his back and was swarmed by the men below.
I did not look down again. As the floor gates began to swing shut, I hurled myself into the box. An instant later the gates sealed me in silent darkness.
Breathing deeply, I felt around until I found a thin pipe stretching upward. I began to climb, pressing against the pipe’s sides.
My mind reeled. I was lost before I was willing to die, and now thanks to Lucian and a fateful leap, the forgotten feeling of hope flooded me. No matter how long and uncertain the journey would be, my soul was lighter, escaping the darkness below me.
Chapter 4
THE MIND OF A PRINCE
“He who fights with monsters
should look to it that he himself
does not become a monster.
And when you gaze long into an abyss,
the abyss also gazes into you.”
I am Tryst, the Prince of Valemidas at last. I was born for this coronation night, to deliver this speech. I will show these people true greatness and inspiration. Ramzi says legends of the past will be shadows of what I will do for my people. They will all forget about Andor soon enough. No one rivals me.
Some of these nobles applaud me now, too cunning or cowardly to show open resistance. I will weed out my opponents. They were born into their positions. They did not earn their nobility, not as I have earned this. They notice the faces that are missing here tonight. The wise ones know enough to support me, so that their faces will not be missed at the next banquet. That banquet will be soon, because a greater victory is coming. Every nation will bow to me.
These people will learn the extent of my power, and they will love me for it. Lorien dares to avert her eyes from me, but her love was always distant. With Andor gone, surely she will draw closer to family. She should know I protect my own blood, even half blood. Ravien understands. Now both of them can have everything they want. Let these nobles be baffled by my darker sister and her attire. Let them think her an assassin. It is close enough to the truth.
Starting tonight, there can be no more dissent or distrust. I will not allow it. The path of love for the prince has been tried, and it has failed. The people will respect me in a way they never respected Andor. He was too soft, bending his will to them. I will make the people bend to my will, and eventually overthrow these worthless nobles and their class. Once they are gone, I will be a prince without restraints. I will become the first ever King of Valemidas. But let the nobles savor my moment now, while they still can.
“Nobles and friends, my guests, welcome!”
Yes, see me smiling and gracious. Drink deep of my words.
“If there is anyone who doubts that Valemidas is a place where all things are possible; who still wonders if the dream of our ancestors is alive; who still questions the power of our city, tonight is your answer. I am your answer.”
“It is the answer told by the masses gathered outside this royal palace. It is the answer told by all of you gathered to celebrate with me now. Noble, merchant, and peasant—all Valemidans send a message to our continent that we are united under my rule. It is the answer of me putting my hands on the arc of history and bending it toward the hope of a better day.”
“I want to thank you nobles for your support. The structure of our city is built on the traditions of your nobility. It is built on the legacy of you nominating a prince born outside nobility, to be approved by a majority of the people. I thank you that, once my predecessor was gone, you picked me to lead. I
thank the people who then elected me. I also want to thank my sisters, Ravien and Lorien. When we were young, training with your noble sons and daughters, we never thought to rise to this station.”
Ravien will enjoy these lies.
“It was thanks to the privilege of growing up with this great generation of future nobles that we were able to make it here tonight. What was then our privilege has become our city’s advantage. Take Jacodin Talnor. I grew up beside him, and now I lead him with the benefit of that experience. These traditions of Valemidas bear fruit.”
The buffoon of a noble’s son is all smiles now, thinking me earnest as I point him out before the crowd. What irony that he should think himself comparable to me. At least his father Ryn will appreciate the flattery. Jacodin is too spoiled to share Ryn’s ambition and success.
“But none of you picked me because of the past. You did it because you understand the enormity of the task that lies ahead. For even as we celebrate tonight, we know the challenges that tomorrow will bring are the greatest of our lifetime. There are enemies amassing in the mountains of the west, disappearances in our midst, crimes on our streets, unpaid debts to the Sunan people, and deep uncertainties about our future.”
“The road ahead will be long. Our climb will be steep. We may not get there in one year, but I am certain now that we will get there. I will protect Valemidas. You will protect Valemidas under my leadership.”
“My first days as prince will break those who oppose our vision for this city. I will set order in place and restore our wealth and grandeur. We will all pay a little, but the rewards will be spread and paid in time. Everyone will cooperate.”
Ulysses just winced at that, my own knight. He knows what that cooperation will mean in the midst of war. I must remember to have Sebastian monitor Ulysses’ every move, for he will still feel the tug of loyalty to Andor. I must get Andor out of my mind, and out of everyone’s mind. Memories of him are too fresh in this room.
“Our army will have a new name, and new demands. It is no longer a mere group of knights and soldiers, it is the Lycurgus. To serve, men must swear to me and to the laws of the Lycurgus. They are strong now, but they pale in comparison to what is to come. The Lycurgus will begin with our firstborn boys. They will be raised pure, fierce, and disciplined, and none will resist their focused fury under my command.”
And I will crush anyone who tries to hold back his firstborn. They have seen the examples, like Lucian. He opposed me on this, and then he disappeared just before his knighting. Perhaps I could direct Father Yates to incorporate a firstborn rite as part of his religious teaching; the people seem to need some opiate for this duty.
“While these young boys train, I will lead our men out to conquer the growing threats beyond our walls. We leave in a week to destroy the Icarians. To allow that sedition to fester, even though it would be quelled if it pressed us, would encourage enemies throughout the continent and beyond. We will march through our countryside and gather support for our military and our city. They will relish the opportunity to give to our mission and to serve under me.”
“After we defeat our enemies in the mountains, we will bring our forces back to Valemidas. But not for long. This entire continent will be ours. Every last town council and sheepherder will bend the knee and pay tribute to Valemidas and to your prince.”
Ah, the first gasps from my guests. So conquest is their soft mark, their cowardice. How far, already, they had let me push. These pathetic nobles should read enough into my words to know their plight. At least a few lean forward with thinly veiled ambition, like Sir Justus Davosman. Even he, the adoptive father of Andor, will bow to me and help my mission in time. I will take special delight in that.
“Valemidas is the light to this land. This is our time—our time to extend our reign to every city. There will be no more free cities. Every city will be governed by us, Valemidas, the greatest free city. Expect a better Valemidas. Expect more than ever before, under my reign.”
I raise my arms to end with flourish and begin the cheers. Yes, I was born for this, in a way Andor never could be. Shower the praise on me now, nobles. We will all remember this night as the beginning of your end. The world will never be the same.
“Thank you all! I will lead us to victory, here and everywhere, now and forever!”
The applause rains down and puddles at my feet.
***
“I think the speech played very well, my prince,” Ramzi said. “I am glad I added that line about spreading our presence. The more ambitious nobles will understand the message. Sir Ryn Talnor is surely plotting which surrounding city-state he might send his family to rule over. He supported your rise in exchange for that promise. I have my doubts, though, about Sir Davosman. His loyalty will be hard to buy…” Ramzi’s voice trailed off.
Tryst was leaning over a balcony in his chambers, gazing at the dim flickering lights of the city below him. The masses were gathering in the central square of Valemidas for a celebration of the coronation. At his advisor’s last remark, Tryst glanced back at him, eyes amused, before turning to look over the city again.
“Ramzi,” he said into the night, “you worry too much about the support of these nobles. I already have what I needed from them. I am the Prince of Valemidas. We are creating the Lycurgus as an unparalleled force under my command. The nobles could not stop me if they wanted to, and my power will only grow as the boys in the Lycurgus train.”
“Of course, my prince.” Ramzi bowed low.
He bowed a lot, each time to hide a negative thought. This time he wondered if the prince had ever not been arrogant. But there were worse flaws, particularly for his purposes. It meant the prince would not question if his growing powers came from dark forces, instead of from himself and his throne. Ramzi believed his god would reward his faith and his sacrifices of men to the Gloaming by granting favor to this minion.
“I suggest,” Ramzi began, “that we will find it easier to dismantle the nobles later, if we have their support in the coming days. The Lycurgus needs time to grow loyal and strong. It would be beneficial to have each noble house send a few of its best knights to aid in the battles. And, if we are going to truly tilt the balance of power back to you and the people, our task will be much easier if the nobles do not expect it until it is too late. One of our allies could be the merchants guild because—”
“How much longer, Ramzi?” Tryst interrupted.
They had hashed through this before, and Ramzi knew it was best to keep Tryst in his good mood. “Not long at all. It has been a long and great day. I have just two more issues that I think are worthy of your attention now.”
“Fine. Speak up, and be quick about it.” Tryst turned to face his advisor, his arms crossed. “Every minute you take now is a minute that I miss my people’s celebration outside.”
“Of course, my prince,” Ramzi said. “The first issue will let you sleep easier on the march to war. As you know, the prince typically appoints someone to handle the administrative leadership in Valemidas while he is away. These are the issues I have been boring you with most days—things like paying our builders, deciding disputes between the nobles, and regulating the people. I would be glad to send you daily reports, so that you can handle these matters. But you will have more important things on your mind as the leader of the Lycurgus. If you sign and seal an approval of me as your acting minister here, I can save you the trouble.”
Tryst did not answer immediately. Ramzi knew the prince did not care about these details, but the lingering silence disturbed him. Had he played his hand too strongly? Since he took the throne, Tryst had become less compliant, less predictable. Ramzi held his tongue, trying to hide his anxiety.
“I will be gone only a month or so. I doubt much will happen here.” The prince’s voice sounded distracted and unconcerned, as he tapped his fingers idly. “What should I do if you disappoint me?”
The question made Ramzi’s breath catch. He thought he had won more trust than
this. “My prince,” he said in his most obedient tone, “I will not disappoint. You know me well enough to know that. But if I did, you could do whatever you wished. As always, I remain subject to your direction.”
“Fine. You may play minister in my absence. You will be monitored, of course. This is an important assignment. If you fail me, you will live a while in the dungeons that you manage.”
Ramzi swallowed his indignation and fear. “As you wish, my prince.” He whistled and two of his clerks scurried in from the waiting room outside, carrying a large parchment with small, delicate handwriting. Ramzi signaled for them to hold it out to Tryst.
“The prince has agreed to appoint me Minister of Valemidas, to handle the city’s administration in his absence. My prince, please sign and seal here.” Ramzi pointed to a line at the bottom of the document.
“You have never been shy for power, have you Ramzi?” Tryst signed it without waiting for an answer. “If you had my strength, I might fear you.”
Tryst waved the clerks out of the room with the flick of his wrist. “But you and I know that you could never make it this far without me.”
“You speak the truth, my prince.” Ramzi stifled a smirk at the irony of his prince’s ignorance. He also held down his surging excitement. There was still treacherous water to cross. He would celebrate this victory when appropriate. For now, he summoned courage and a calm voice.
“There is one final thing to discuss,” Ramzi began. “Sebastian has reported to me that two guards in the lowest chamber of our dungeons were found bound and gagged. This is the chamber with the cages that hang over the Gloaming. The guards were not harmed, and they had no information on who had assaulted them. Strangely, a sweep through the dungeon and prison cells revealed that no one had escaped.”
Light in the Gloaming (The Gloaming Book One) Page 3
