by West, Shay
“Ah, breakfast has arrived, my Lord.” Anali sauntered into the solar, wearing a silk robe in bright scarlet. His head gleamed, having just been freshly shaved.
Senda set the plates piled with food on the large table and prepared his Lord's tea just how he liked it: with a pinch of lemon and a tiny bit of sugar. Sugar was a precious commodity and quite rare. Lord Lucian had a sweet tooth and people often brought him the sweet confection in an attempt to gain his favor.
Lucian entered the solar, making sure to set his feet carefully before shifting his weight. His muscles had yet to regain their former strength. However, his face had that same familiar predatory look Senda had grown to know and love. Lucian was a sharp adversary when it came to treaties and battle, but Senda knew that under that steely facade was a caring and just man.
Lucian had been given the island by Patriarch Laevanya as a joke. The Patriarch meant it as an insult; Lucian took it as a challenge. Within a few short years, Lucian changed the barren rocky island to a prosperous kingdom. His Lords and Ladies had worked hard for Lucian, knowing full well the man would deliver on his promise to shove the gift in Laevanya's face.
“Smells good.”
Senda almost dropped his plate when he heard his Lord speak. Lucian grinned at his fumbling manservant.
“My Lord! When did this happen?”
“Mystic Anali worked with me most of yesterday.” Lord Lucian spoke carefully, almost as if he was thinking about each word before saying it aloud.
“He is making tremendous progress. Soon, he will be ready to begin assuming some of his duties,” said Anali.
“Are you certain? Lord Suasor doesn't mind…”
“Of course he doesn't mind, you witless fool! The man has his eyes on Lucian's throne.”
Senda was stunned. “The man has served Lucian well for many years. Besides, he doesn't have the soldiers to attempt to usurp the throne.” Senda met his Lord's eyes, hoping the man would set the Mystic straight.
“He will have the men if he joins with the other Lords on the island,” said Lucian grimly.
Senda couldn't believe Lucian thought Suasor wanted to assume leadership of the island. The man had had many opportunities while Lucian had been too ill to fight back. Suasor worked diligently and without complaint.
“My Lord, Suasor is loyal to you, as he has been since first coming to the island. What proof do you have that he is planning on committing this treason?”
“You dare to question your own Lord?”
Senda stared at the Mystic. “I have always been allowed to speak my mind with Lucian.” He was becoming more and more concerned that something was very wrong.
“Perhaps I have let you get away with too much.”
Senda looked away from his Lord. The man's eyes were full of suspicion and anger. Senda had seen Lucian angry when the need called for it, but he could count the number of times on one hand. What is happening to Lucian? He glanced at Anali and took a deepbreath. “Perhaps you should stop taking the medicines Anali gives you…”
“You think he has something to do with this?” Lucian demanded. “The man saved me!”
“I am aware of that, and I am grateful for what he has done, but you are not yourself, My Lord…”
“I am more myself than I was a few weeks ago. Do you realize I was aware of everything, Senda?” Lucian's face changed into something terrifying, but Senda couldn't look away from the rage burning in his eyes. “Oh yes, my dear man, I could see and comprehend everything! But I was trapped in my body, couldn't make it move, couldn't even keep my own tongue in my blasted mouth!” Lucian threw his empty cup against the hearth, where it shattered into a million pieces.
“I heard every snicker, every whisper, saw every grimace, and glance filled with pity. Well no more! Those people will rue the day they laughed at me.”
Senda shook his head. He couldn't deny what Lucian said. “People were afraid; they didn't know how to react…”
“I am still their Lord, damn and blast them! They should have treated me no different than they had before I became ill.” Lucian began coughing with such force that Senda feared the man would die from the effort.
“Latus eris,” Anali whispered.
Lucian's coughing subsided immediately.
“I think Lucian has had enough for one morning.”
Senda stood rooted to the spot, watching the bald Mystic lead his Lord to his bedchamber. He couldn't hear what Anali whispered to Lucian, but Anali turned and grinned.
Dear Spirits, what have I done? The man's feral grin worried Senda. It was clear to him that Lucian was different, though up and moving. He knew he should be happy that his Lord was well. But at what cost?
THREE
SENDA WOKE TO THE SOUND of Anali and Lucian moving about the Lord's bedchamber. He hesitated for a moment before padding silently over to the closed door.
“I think it is time to get rid of him, my Lord.” Anali's voice drifted to Senda's ears.
“But he has been loyal to me for many years, Mystic. I can't get rid of him. Where will he go?”
“That is not your concern. What should concern you is the plotting going on right under your nose.”
“I can't believe my own manservant is behind any plotting. I may have been too lenient in letting him speak his mind, but he is loyal to me.”
“As you wish, my Lord.”
Senda turned from the door, heart pounding in his chest. What do I do? He paced back and forth, becoming more agitated and frightened with each passing moment.
Lucian said he wasn't going to let me go. Senda took a deep breath, trying to calm his nerves. He knew he had been correct in thinking that Anali was up to mischief. I must expose the man. But how?
Senda dressed hurriedly. Lucian and Anali would be expecting breakfast soon. He needed to perform his duties as if he had no idea what the two men had been discussing. Senda feared what the Mystic would do if he knew Senda had overheard the conversation.
He tried to act naturally as he made his way to the kitchens. His mind couldn't seem to focus on one thought; they scattered like leaves in a summer breeze. Senda wished there was someone he could trust, someone he could talk to about what was happening with Lucian and Anali.
He stopped short, the barest hint of an idea forming in his mind. He bit his lip, wondering if he should bother the man with his worries. I have to have help. I am in over my head.
Neli was waiting none too patiently for Senda to arrive. The large platter was taking up counter space that she needed to begin fixing the noon meal.
Senda apologized profusely, claiming he overslept.
“Well, your extra sleep has cost me! Now hurry back with them dishes!”
Senda ducked a very well-aimed kick at his backside and scurried out of the kitchen. He took his time returning to the Lord's chambers, trying to gather his scattered thoughts. He prayed to the good Spirits to help him fool the Mystic.
The guard barely stirred when Senda walked up to the main doors to Lucian's chambers. Senda couldn't blame the man. The guards drew straws for this particular duty. No one ever volunteered. Sitting day and night for a fortnight was not something a soldier enjoyed doing. The more seasoned veterans would often force the younger men to take their duty if they drew the short straw.
Anali and Lucian were waiting when he entered the solar. Senda avoided eye contact and focused solely on arranging the breakfast plates and getting Lucian's tea ready.
Soon, there was nothing more to occupy his attention. He took his plate and walked toward the balcony.
“Too good to eat with us, eh?”
Senda glanced at Anali, too afraid to meet his eyes for long. “The weather is turning and I thought it might be nice to eat outside today.” Without waiting for an answer, Senda walked out onto the balcony.
Lord Lucian's chambers were situated so they overlooked the lush gardens. There were exotic species from all over both continents. He had insisted they be brought to the island in t
heir native soil in large barrels, along with barrels of more soil.
His island home was mainly rock and shrub. Lucian hated it. And his wife Malorie had hated it even more so. Together, the pair transformed the barren landscape into a lush paradise. Malorie had spent countless hours in the gardens, pruning and plucking and weeding. Lucian had accompanied her unless his duties required otherwise.
Since Malorie's death, Lucian had hired a man to tend to the gardens.
Butterflies and fat nectar bees buzzed and flitted among the flowers. Birds of every kind darted in and out of the trees, singing songs of their love of spring. Senda often wished he could spread his wings and soar amongst the clouds.
His predicament dampened his enjoyment of the morning. He was not sure he could keep up the facade. I must speak to Suasor.
“Lucian wishes to meet the petitioners today.”
Senda yelped as the Mystic's voice sounded right behind him. “Shall I lay out his clothing, then?”
“That is part of your duties, isn't it?”
Senda placed his cup on the table and stood. “As my Lord wishes.” He walked calmly to Lucian's wardrobe with Anali's chuckle following close behind.
* * *
“My Lord Lucian!” Suasor stood abruptly as Lucian and Anali strode into the audience chamber. The man and woman kneeling before him stood and gaped at Lucian and the Mystic.
“Praise the good Sprits!” Suasor kneeled before his Lord. As he stood, he took Anali's hand. “You have brought our Lord back to us. We are forever in your debt.”
Anali took his hand from the man's grasp, contempt flashing across his soft features. “It was my honor. But as you can see, Lucian is quite capable of returning to his duties.”
“Yes, of course.” Suasor stammered.
Lucian took his place in the large wooden chair. It was a replica of his throne. Lucian hated addressing people from the throne room; he enjoyed being more at eye level with his subjects rather than towering over them.
Anali snapped his fingers, signaling a servant standing nearby to have a chair brought for him.
“Here is the list of petitioners, my Lord.” Suasor handed Lucian the parchment with the list of names of those needing to speak to Lucian. “There is also a message that arrived this morning from Laevanya. He says you have yet to pay him your ten percent for the month.”
Lucian's face twisted in fury. “I thought you were supposed to be looking out for things while I was indisposed!”
“My Lord, I sent the payment weeks ago. However, there has been no word from the driver. It is possible he was ambushed.”
“We must send someone to look for the man.”
“I will see to it at once.” Suasor bowed and turned to leave.
“Perhaps you should send Suasor himself to find the missing driver. You need someone you can trust for this mission.”
Suasor's neck creaked as he turned. Anali was seated at Lucian's right hand, whispering, but talking loudly enough so that Suasor could hear.
Lucian nodded. “I do need someone I can trust. Suasor, I want you ready to leave within the hour.”
“As you wish, my Lord.” Suasor strode quickly out of the room.
* * *
Senda hurried through the castle, brushing past the myriad of servants and maids rushing about their duties, ignoring their cries and angry shouts as he raced to the front gates. This can't be happening! The panic mounted as he flew through the raised portcullis and out into the bright morning light.
“Is there something I can do for you?”
Senda looked up at the man sitting on a large destrier. “I was hoping to catch Lord Suasor before he left. Where is he going?”
“On business for Lord Lucian. He was packed for a long journey.”
Senda's shoulders slumped as he tried to catch his breath. Where could he possibly be going? The manservant rushed off to ask the man's wife. He only had a short break before he would be expected to bring Lucian's lunch.
Suasor's modest manor sat on a low hill overlooking the Sea of Solace. The minor Lord didn't have the income to afford a gardener so his land was bleak and stark. However, Lady Jaenet had made the inside of the manor comfortable and homey. The stone walls were covered with colorful tapestries, the floors with rich rugs, and she had all manner of trinkets and knick-knacks scattered throughout the house. Their children were grown and gone. Jaenet surrounded herself with the children of the nearby villages. They were allowed to drop by whenever they wished, and she always made sure to have plenty of sweet treats for them.
Senda found Lady Jaenet playing a game of Catch Me if You Can with several youngsters. He stopped and watched for a moment, unwilling to interrupt their game. One boy stood alone with a blindfold on his eyes, while the others ran about him, calling out “Catch me if you can!” and leaping backwards if the boy got too close.
Jaenet was in their midst, giggling and laughing like a girl half her age. Her face was covered with a sheen of sweat and tendrils of hair were stuck to her face. She spotted Senda waiting and called a pause to the game.
“It's only for a moment children! You may continue while I speak with Lord Lucian's manservant.” She laughed at their disappointed whining. Her chambermaid handed her a cloth to wipe the sweat from her face.
“What can I do for you, Senda?”
Senda bowed, taking a moment to gather his racing thoughts. “It is good to see you, Jaenet.”
“Is it true what they are saying about Lucian? Has the Mystic cured him?”
“So it would seem.”
“What are you not telling me?”
Senda grinned ruefully. Jaenet was shrewd. “He has changed, Jaenet. He isn't the same man he was before he became ill.” Jaenet merely looked at him so he continued, the words coming in a rush. “He is cruel. Lucian has always been just, but never cruel! He is suspicious and listens to Anali more than he should. I overheard Anali ask Lucian to dismiss me. The Mystic also convinced Lucian that Suasor has designs to rule the island.”
“Have you spoken to anyone else about this?”
“Only you. I wished to speak to Suasor, perhaps warn him or something.”
“Lucian sent Suasor after the driver who brings the tenth to Laevanya. The Patriarch is claiming he never received the chest of gold.” Jaenet began pacing. “Perhaps there is more to this journey than meets the eye.”
“What can we do? Do you have someone you can send after Suasor to warn him?”
“I can send Patrik. Come.” She hurried into the manor, calling out for someone to get Patrik.
“You mustn't tell anyone what you overheard. Until we can get word to Suasor, we must act as though the very walls had ears.” She hurriedly scribbled a note on a piece of parchment and sealed it with a dab of hot wax and Suasor's ring. “Trust no one.”
Patrik arrived. Jaenet gave him the note, telling him that he must deliver that note into his Lord's hands as quickly as possible. “Ride hard and you should catch him before nightfall. You must not fail.”
Patrik bowed and left for the stables.
“When he gets the note, Suasor will return. He will know what to do.”
“I hope so, Jaenet. I fear what may happen if the Mystic gets his claws any deeper into Lucian.”
FOUR
SENDA LEFT SUASOR'S MANOR, making his way through throngs of people. Most pulled carts laden with wares they wished to hawk. Some were servants on errands for their masters. As Senda approached Lucian's castle, he felt a weight pressing between his shoulder blades. He glanced up. Anali stood on a balcony, staring at him. Just before Senda passed out of sight, Anali made a slicing gesture across his throat.
He knows I was visiting jaenet! His heart sank as he made his way to the kitchens. His chest was tight, and his mouth was dry. His hands shook so badly. It was known throughout Astra that those that inhabited the Forbidden Territories had access to toxins and poisons that could kill a man either so quickly he wouldn't even know he had departed this worl
d or so slowly that he would beg for death before it embraced him.
How will he do it, I wonder? Senda looked suspiciously at the food laid out on the tray. Poisoning perhaps? He shook his head. He couldn't have gotten down here that fast. Neli and several kitchen scullions gave him strange looks. He grabbed the tray, almost spilling its contents on the floor.
“If you drop that tray, you'll be cookin' the next meal, you hear?” The head cook stood with her hands on her ample hips.
Senda tried to steady his trembling arms as he trudged down the hall. The smells wafting from the tray made him nauseous. Normally, Neli's cooking would cause his stomach to grumble. But the mounting tension was making him feel anything but hungry.
Senda forced his steps to slow, wanting to delay entering the solar as long as possible. Would Anali be waiting, dagger in hand to slash his throat? Would the Mystic somehow find a way to poison his drink? Senda tried to stop these morbid thoughts but they wouldn't leave. He imagined dying with his blood flowing from a ruined neck, or being unable to suck in a breath of air because the evil Mystic was using a silk scarf to crush his windpipe, or falling to the ground as the poison burned its way through his veins.
The same guard was there and grunted at Senda as he opened the door. He didn't seem to notice the manservant's abject terror.
No one was there to meet Senda. Frowning, he walked into the bedchamber. It was deserted and the bed had already been made. Where could they have gone? Was he supposed to meet someone that I didn't know about? Lucian often met with his various minor Lords and Ladies that lived here under his protection.
Senda ate his share of the meal. He barely made a dent in the enormous amount of food piled on the tray. He gulped some water, passing on the sweet wine. He needed to have his wits about him.
He couldn't put it off any longer. He placed the lid back on the tray to keep the food warm and went in search of Lucian and Anali.
* * *
“I saw ‘em just a bit ago. They was headed that way.” The man pointed toward Suasor's house.
