“Eridea? She had the same name as the empress of Acheron.”
“Just the same,” he confirmed. “I was young and foolhardy. I believed I could achieve the impossible, and I followed her trail into Acheron. I searched for her for some time. How I ever survived without being captured, I’ll never know. Eventually, I discovered a woman of her appearance had been taken to Antoku—the magical city where the Dark Lord and all the other Dragon Lords reside. When I reached the city, my constant questions aroused suspicion. I was betrayed by one of the inhabitants and taken prisoner by the emperor’s guard. By this time, I’d learned Eridea now belonged to the Dark Lord, and she was lost to me. Held in the emperor’s dungeons, I knew I would either be executed or sent to the mines of Ryujin as a slave. In a way, I almost welcomed death…” His voice trailed off.
“Go on,” she pressed.
“I had no idea Eridea had married the Dark Lord and become his empress. All I was told was that the empress, in her infinite wisdom, had ordered I wasn’t to be killed or sent to the mines. I was to become a Dai’Shi-en. The indoctrination is long and incredibly painful, and many of those selected don’t survive. At first when they started torturing me, I tried to fight them. Then she came to me.” Jaden paused and swallowed. “I find it difficult to talk of this.”
“I can’t imagine how it must hurt you.” Her eyes brimmed with compassion.
“Discovering Eridea was the empress, and it was she who had done this to me, was the worst betrayal of all. I’d sacrificed everything to find her, and she expected me to sacrifice all I was as well. After that, I gave up hope and surrendered. I didn’t even try to resist. I was losing myself. I couldn’t find the strength to fight my tormentors. When one of my torturers told me that, after my indoctrination was finished, I was to serve the empress, I knew I couldn’t let the woman I’d once loved more than life itself destroy me completely. Somehow, in those dark days, I found a way to lock my true self away deep in the furthermost recesses of my mind. Then I surrendered my identity and allowed the rest of Jaden of Iberim to become a dreaded Dai’Shi-en. To be truthful, I had no choice. It was the only way I could survive.”
“Was it that terrible, then?” Nerya’s voice broke on the words.
“Worse. I can’t even think of it now. It’s too agonizing.” He shook his head as if that would somehow take away the terrible memories that still haunted his dreams. “Eventually, when my instructors deemed the time was right, I knelt before the empress and offered my life to her. It was she who allowed me to keep my own name. That usually doesn’t happen. At their rebirth, Dai’Shi-en are given new names.”
“Jaden,” Nerya said in a gentle tone. “Have you ever thought perhaps Eridea ordered you to be made a Dai’Shi-en because that was the only way of saving your life?”
“No.” He found himself frowning. “That would be too cruel.”
“Would it? Perhaps she preferred to keep part of you alive rather than lose you completely.”
Jaden shook his head. “I can’t even think like that.” It had never even crossed his mind. It was incomprehensible Eridea might have subjected him to the unimaginable horror of serving her as a Dai’Shi-en just to save his life.
“Was it Eridea who gave you the power to heal so quickly?”
“Yes, it was her personal wizard who did so. Far away from Acheron, I’ve found the effects are not that noticeable. It was only when I got close to Acheron again that the ability fully manifested itself once more. So the magical power does have its limitations.” He smiled wryly. “I’m far from immortal.”
“Do all Dai’Shi-en have the ability to heal quickly?”
“No. I’ve not heard of anyone in Acheron who has such special powers.” Jaden had often puzzled as to why he was the only one who had been given this unique gift. “Perhaps the Dark Lord and the other Dragon Lords can do so. I honestly don’t know.”
“Yet Eridea made you almost invincible. Perhaps because she couldn’t face the thought of you being harmed in her service?”
“Who knows?” Jaden shrugged, preferring not to consider why Eridea had acted as she had.
“So how did you eventually manage to overcome your indoctrination and get back to Marquab?” Nerya leaned forward and kissed his cheek. Her loving touch made the pain in his heart diminish for a brief moment.
“I served Eridea and the emperor for almost two years, and in that time I was forced to do terrible things—atrocities I don’t care to remember. All the time I struggled, all too aware I wasn’t like other Dai’Shi-en. I knew, deep in my heart, my actions were cruel and brutal, while they didn’t. Gradually, during the long, painful months of service, I found the ability to reach into my mind and free my true self again. It took a long time before I felt I could control the darkness inside me. At night, in the privacy of my room, I would force myself to take off my amulet and try to become Jaden of Iberim again.
“Eventually, I knew if I wanted to retain any vestige of my sanity, I had to get away. I went to Eridea and suggested she send me back to Marquab as a spy, knowing full well the Dark Lord had long feared the power of the huge Empire of Marquab. She agreed, albeit reluctantly, and I was permitted to leave Acheron. Once I was away from her and the dark magic, I gradually found myself again. But a small part of me still felt different, as if I’d never truly be the same.” When he turned to look at Nerya, silent tears trickled down her cheeks. “Please don’t.”
“Jaden, I can’t help it. I can’t begin to understand how you’ve suffered. I feel guilty now, because for a time I believed you’d betrayed your friends. You did this, became a Dai’Shi-en, to help us, did you not?”
“I saw no other way, but I can understand why you suspected me,” he said sadly. “I wasn’t even certain myself I had the strength to control my own mind once I put that amulet around my neck again.”
“The emperor, your friend, Nerus? He must have trusted you implicitly to make you Suzerain Commander of his forces. Especially after he learned all that had happened to you.”
“He does trust me, and I’ll never betray that trust. I’m the only person in Marquab who knows anything about Acheron and the forces their leaders command. The Dark Lord plans to invade Marquab, after he’s conquered the Western Kingdoms. That’s why I had to create the alliance. We’ll succeed if we work together. I know their forces, their fighting tactics, everything, even their weaknesses.”
“Do the Dragon Lords have weaknesses?”
“Everyone has weaknesses, Nerya. When the time comes, we’ll use them against them and save both Marquab and the Western Kingdoms. But first we have to save Tarn and Sarin and get out of this citadel.”
Nerya’s cloak hung heavy around her shoulders. It belonged to Lady Senshu, Lord Naga’s consort. Scarlet silk lined the rich emerald green velvet, and thick gold embroidery decorated the edge of the hood and the hem. The garment reeked of a strong, spicy perfume that made Nerya feel a little queasy.
She’d no idea how Jaden had got hold of the cloak. He’d just told her to put it on before they left Brion’s rooms. Her stomach tied in knots, she glanced over at Jaden as he guided her down a long flight of marble stairs. He gave her a brief, reassuring smile as they walked onward, down a seemingly endless corridor. Set at regular intervals along each white wall, narrow tables bore huge vases full of fresh flowers, just like there were all over the citadel. Because of his weak stomach, unpleasant smells repulsed the mage.
Jaden took her arm. The strength of his fingers flowed through the thick velvet as he guided her along one corridor and then another. He led her toward a large oak door decorated with bands of brass and guarded by two of Lord Naga’s soldiers.
Just as Jaden had instructed, she kept the hood of her cloak pulled forward, well over her head, partially concealing her face. It obstructed her vision, but Jaden wanted the soldiers to think she was Lady Senshu.
“Dai’Shi-en, my lady,” one of the soldiers acknowledged as they reached the door. Nerya lowered her eyes a
nd kept her head turned away from both men as they opened the door for them.
“Come.” Jaden drew her through the doorway. It shut with a loud thud as they began to descend narrow stone steps. They reached the bottom, and she almost had to run to keep up with Jaden’s long strides as they moved along a narrow stone corridor lit by spluttering torches.
“Not so fast,” Nerya complained. The backless slippers all the women wore here slowed her pace.
“Sorry,” Jaden said, slowing a little.
“This place stinks.” She wrinkled her nose in disgust. She soon found out where the smell came from as they passed a line of doors set either side of the corridor. Each door had a narrow barred slit near the top, and behind the bars she could see the pale pleading faces of prisoners.
The smell became even stronger as they rounded a corner and walked past more cells containing prisoners. She recognized the odor now. It was a mixture of filthy bodies, stale urine and feces—the smell of pain and hopelessness.
At the far end of the corridor stood a plain door with no barred slit like the others, with a guard posted outside. As they approached the door, Nerya lifted a perfumed kerchief to her nose to cover the lower part of her face. She inhaled deeply. She might not like the smell of Lady Senshu’s strong perfume, but she was grateful now. It masked the foul air in this dungeon.
“We’re here to question the prisoner.” Jaden twisted his keitan between his fingertips as he addressed the guard.
The man eyed the magical instrument nervously. Only those in a position of power and influence in the citadel, and a few of Naga’s mercenaries, were allowed to carry such a powerful weapon. Even those with magical abilities could be harmed by a keitan. There was no protection against these deadly instruments of pain and pleasure.
”Yes, Dai’Shi-en.” The large bolt made a loud rasping sound as the guard drew it back. He pushed open the door and went to step inside the cell.
“Wait,” Jaden commanded. “Stand back for Lady Senshu.”
“Lady Senshu, forgive me.” The guard bowed. “I just wanted to enter first to ensure you came to no harm.”
Ignoring him, she swept regally past him into the cell. She stopped short as she saw Sarin sitting on the filthy floor of the small cell. He was chained to the wall. Grime covered his skin, his lean cheeks were sunken and his hair lay in greasy rats’ tails around his shoulders. His once neatly trimmed beard had grown and now covered half his face, but there was still an air of nobility about him that imprisonment hadn’t managed to extinguish.
When he saw her, he tensed apprehensively, but his eyes lit up with fury as Jaden moved to stand beside her.
“The Lady Senshu and the Dai’Shi-en are here to question you,” the guard announced. “You’ll answer all their questions, if you know what’s good for you.”
“And you’re going to do something about this foul odor, if you know what’s good for you,” Jaden said in a tone that brooked no disobedience. “Lady Senshu noticed it even before we entered the dungeons. Report to the sergeant in charge and tell him this entire place must be cleaned immediately, every single cell. You know how sensitive Lord Naga is. If you’re not careful, every one of you who serves in the dungeons will lose his head.”
“Yes, my lord.” The soldier bowed. “I’ll do so immediately.” He turned to leave.
“First give me the key to the prisoner’s chains.” Jaden held out his hand. The soldier hesitated, the key clutched in his fist. “Now,” Jaden growled. Snapping to attention, the man handed him the small, cylindrical key. “And don’t forget to take that disgusting slop with you.” Jaden pointed to the full bucket set close to Sarin’s feet.
The soldier picked up the leather bucket, an expression of disgust on his face. Judging by the amount, Nerya presumed the foul-smelling mixture of urine and feces must have been in here for days. The man left the cell, being careful not to slop the odious contents on his feet.
Once he’d departed, Jaden slammed the door shut behind him.
“I am honored, it appears,” Sarin sneered.
“Perhaps you are.” Nerya removed the kerchief, threw back her hood and smiled at him. “It’s me, Sarin.”
“Nerya!” Sarin’s face lit up. “I’m relieved you’re all right.” His expression changed and he glowered at Jaden. “At least it’s a pleasure to see one of you, Nerya.”
“You look terrible, Sarin.” She pulled out a packet she’d concealed under her cloak. Crouching, she handed it to him. “Some decent food. You look as though you need this.”
“By the gods, it’s good to see at least one friendly face.” Sarin’s hand shook as he unwrapped the package containing fresh white bread, great slabs of meat and a large chunk of cheese.
“I owe my safety to Jaden,” Nerya told Sarin.
“The food is delicious.” He carefully rewrapped it in the white cloth. “I’ll save it for later, if I may.”
“Make sure you eat it all. You need to keep up your strength.” Nerya’s heart ached for him. Sarin was a proud man brought low.
“Tarn?” Sarin asked, ignoring Jaden. “Is he all right? They took him from here days ago.”
“He’s safe,” Jaden replied. “I spoke to him earlier today.”
“He’s confined in a small room close to Lord Naga’s chambers,” Nerya added. “His quarters are somewhat better than yours, so I’m told.”
Jaden had assured her Tarn was well, but he’d not said anything else. However, Asumi had told her of the rumors circulating the seraglio. Lady Senshu had taken Tarn for her personal plaything and kept him imprisoned close to her chambers. Asumi had told her how cruel Senshu could be, even to the women in the seraglio, and Nerya feared for Tarn’s wellbeing.
“How can I believe anything you say, Jaden?” Sarin glared at him. “You betrayed us all.”
“No, he didn’t,” Nerya insisted as Jaden bent and took hold of Sarin’s left foot. He undid the lock on one manacle and then the other. Sarin didn’t thank him. He just gave a sigh of relief and straightened his legs, wincing in discomfort. “I’m not done yet.” Jaden freed Sarin’s wrist from one manacle, then handed him the key. “You might care to unfasten the other yourself as you appear not to like me touching you.”
Sarin still didn’t deign to speak to Jaden. His hand shook even more as he tried to fit the key in the lock. In time he managed to remove the other manacle to reveal raw red patches matching those on his other wrist and both his ankles where the metal had rubbed his flesh. “That feels good.” He put down the key and stretched his arms. “But I feel so weak. I doubt I’ll be able to stand.”
“Let me help.” Jaden stepped forward and held out his hand.
“No,” Sarin snapped, glaring at Jaden. He levered himself up onto very shaky legs and swayed for a moment as if he might fall. With a deep sigh, he leaned against the wall to support himself.
“You’ll need to recover some of your strength before tomorrow night,” Nerya said.
“Why then?”
“Because if I don’t succeed in what I plan to do tonight, that’s when all hell will be let loose in the citadel,” Jaden said with a twisted smile.
Chapter Fifteen
It was nearly pitch black, with only the sliver of a crescent moon visible in the star-splattered sky, as Jaden crept along the narrow stone balcony. He was only one floor above Brion’s rooms, but this balcony didn’t overlook the garden. It was directly above the ravine. However, tonight the darkness was his friend as he couldn’t even see the yawning crevice he knew lay beneath him. He grabbed the stone buttress above his head and hauled himself up with his arms, his booted feet scrabbling to find purchase on the stone walls. Heights had never bothered him, but he’d be a fool if he wasn’t apprehensive about this climb—one false move and he would plummet to his death.
The massive stone carvings decorating the tower had become roughened and pitted over the years, making it easier for him to find more handholds and footholds as, moving slowly and very cautio
usly, Jaden clambered upward. Once he’d climbed over the huge gargoyle, he paused and glanced up. It wasn’t far now, almost within reach of a big arched window. Sweat trickled down his back. His breathing became more labored as he hauled himself up again until he perched perilously atop the head of the gargoyle. He just managed to grab the windowsill with his fingertips.
Muscles straining, he heaved himself onto the stone sill and crouched there peering into the dark antechamber. Naga was close, yet thankfully Jaden sensed no magical web or barrier to trap unwary intruders. He couldn’t make out anything in the gloomy interior of the chamber, which was lit only by a sliver of light seeping under the door leading into the hallway outside.
When Jaden had been here before he’d noted that all the guards had been stationed outside. Hoping it would be the same tonight, Jaden pushed aside the brocade drapes and lowered his feet to the floor. One of the wooden boards creaked slightly as he put his full weight upon it. Not wanting to betray his presence, he kept close to the walls where the boards were better supported as he made his way toward the doorway to his right. When he reached the door, he paused for a moment, listening. He could hear nothing but his own breathing. Lifting the iron latch, he opened the door just a shade.
The next room was also in darkness, but a light came from under the door to Lord Naga’s bedchamber. He swore under his breath. It appeared Naga was still awake. That was a pity. Even a powerful wizard could quite easily be slain in his sleep. What troubled him even more was that, judging by the noise emanating from the room, Naga wasn’t alone. Jaden could hear muted female voices.
He couldn’t give up now. Jaden crossed the room, the thick carpet muffling his footfalls as he tried to recall exactly how it had appeared in daylight. There was a fair amount of furniture: plush couches and chairs upholstered in green velvet, carved tables and a heavily patterned carpet covering most of the floor. Despite the fact that he more or less knew the layout of the room, he almost walked into a low table. Just at the last moment, he spotted it in the gloom and managed to avoid it.
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