“I don’t care what they think about you,” Djulyan said. “If you don’t wish to be acknowledged, I’ll respect your decision. However, I must insist that you consider yourself part of my family. I want you to come to the Misty Vales and meet all your brothers.”
Luks glanced at Kholya before he spoke. “My lord high king, I wish I could tell you of the joy in my heart right now. To know that I have a family—” He swallowed and went on in a steadier voice. “I want to speak more of this, but I can wait until the fate of the Savaani princes is decided, if it pleases you.”
“I wish I could tell you how it feels for me to see my firstborn as a grown man.” Djulyan stepped forward and pulled Luks into a hug. “If you have the strength to get through tonight and tomorrow, then I will find the strength inside myself to endure it as well.” He let Luks go and stepped back.
Tears streamed down Luks’s cheeks as he met Djulyan’s eyes. “I will not call you father yet, but I hope to soon.”
Djulyan ran a hand over Luks’s hair and turned to leave the tent. Ardjul moved to his father’s side as they set out and the rest followed him.
“I have to say.” Sheyn leaned toward Luks as they walked side by side. “That was much more affecting than Fawn Fairskin’s story. I came close to shedding tears myself.”
“My face will be red and blotchy after all.”
“Would you rather not attend the feast?”
“It’s not my choice. I go where my master goes.”
Sheyn put a hand on Kashyan’s shoulder, and Kashyan turned his head. “Do we have to attend this feast?” Sheyn asked.
Djulyan overheard and stopped. “There is a tent set aside if your daaksim want to rest away from curious eyes,” he said. “It’s well-guarded.”
Kholya met Luks’s gaze for a long moment before he spoke. “Thank you, my lord. We’ll take Pearl and Velvet there and then join you at the table.”
The tent was a very short distance away, and Luks and Sheyn were soon made comfortable. However, despite the presence of a squadron of royal guards, Kashyan was reluctant to leave.
“We’ve an army around us and we’re under the high king’s protection,” Kholya said. “But if it troubles you that much, Kasha, you can stay here too.”
Kashyan shot his brother a black look before turning his gaze to Sheyn again. “We’re too close to the Red Temple for my comfort.”
“King Kezlath is at the banquet,” Kholya said. “Do you think the Temple would attack and risk a demon gutting their king?”
“Yes, I do.” Kashyan stroked a strand of hair away from Sheyn’s face. “I think they’d do anything to get Pearl back.”
“If they try, they won’t find me as helpless as the last time,” Sheyn said.
“You hear that, brother?” Kholya said. “Don’t forget that your daaksi has the heart of a hero.”
“That’s what frightens me,” Kashyan said. “Pearl, I forbid you to put yourself in danger. Do you hear me?”
“I hear you,” Sheyn said. “You’re adorable.”
“Your mocking isn’t amusing at this moment.”
“Are you certain? I found it quite amusing.”
“Not now,” Kashyan said in a strained voice. “Please.”
Sheyn framed Kashyan’s face between his hands. “I promise,” he said. “At the slightest sign of demonic activity, I will call for the guards.”
Kashyan wrapped his arms around Sheyn and hugged him tightly. “My love,” he whispered in Sheyn’s ear. “Thank you for not wearing your sword to the feast.” He kissed Sheyn and followed Kholya out of the tent.
“One thing’s for certain,” Sheyn said as he sat next to Luks. “You’ve made an impression on the high king.”
THE NIGHT passed in peace, and Kashyan, Sheyn, Kholya, and Luks woke early in the tent the high king had provided for them. A servant arrived just after they’d dressed, leaving a tray of khai and cakes that Sheyn immediately pounced on. They’d just finished eating when they received a summons from Djulyan.
“I want to go with you,” Sheyn told Kashyan, setting himself for an argument.
“Are you ready as you stand?”
“Am I—?” Sheyn narrowed his eyes. “Yes,” he said as he picked up his cloak.
“Then come with me.”
Kholya grinned at Sheyn’s reaction to Kashyan’s easy capitulation. “The high king invited you in his summons,” Kholya told Sheyn.
Sheyn turned to Luks. “Aren’t you coming?”
“No. I couldn’t bear to be so near Ognyan. He has always frightened me.”
“He makes my skin crawl,” Sheyn said. “But I want to hear what’s said in the court.”
“You can tell me about it later. I’ll wait here and perhaps the high king’s daaksi will make an appearance. I’d like to meet him.”
“I suppose it would be nice for you to have someone who wants to discuss the many methods of brewing khai or the most provocative way to recline on a pile of pillows.”
Luks laughed. “You can’t fool me any longer. I know you’re teasing.”
“Not this time.” Sheyn dodged the pillow Luks threw at him.
“This may take some time,” Kholya told Luks. “Are you certain you’ll be all right alone?”
“If I suddenly long for company, I’ll send word to Pearl,” Luks said.
Kholya, Kashyan, and Sheyn walked to the pavilion where the high king was holding court. As at the feast, three tables were set up. Djulyan sat at the center table, and the other kings sat at his left and right. Kholya took a seat on the right-hand side while Kashyan was instructed to stand in the area between the tables. Sheyn was given a seat on a couch behind Djulyan. When all were settled, the high king began to speak.
“I, Djulyan of the Misty Vales, High King of Kandaar, will now hear Ognyan of Sumadin on a matter of grave concern. Yevdjen of Sumadin is dead, and the new king sues for justice over the manner of Yevdjen’s death. Step forth, King Ognyan, and speak your piece before your fellow rulers.”
Ognyan rose from his seat and came to stand in the center of the room a few feet away from Kashyan. “Before I lay my charges at the feet of the villain, I raise another issue.”
“You have leave,” Djulyan said.
“I object to the presence of Kholya of Savaan on this Council of Kings. He is brother to the accused, and he took part in the crime. You cannot let him stand here for Savaan.”
“Can’t I?” Djulyan raised an eyebrow. “I was under the impression that I could appoint anyone I liked.” He glanced at the other kings. “Am I wrong?”
Ognyan saw he had no support and let the matter drop. Kholya was only one vote, and Ognyan was certain the other kings would side with Sumadin. After all, if the Bastard could murder the king of Sumadin with impunity, which of them was safe? At the least, Kezlath’s vote would cancel Kholya’s.
“Your Glory,” Ognyan said, bowing to the high king. “I am here to charge the Bastard of Savaan with the murder of King Yevdjen. I also charge him with the theft of my property. I would sooner meet him outside with a sword in my hand, but the new laws require me to bring my grievance to this council.” He met the gaze of each man in turn. “With my own eyes, I saw the Bastard cut Yevdjen down. After killing the king, he stole my daaksi, the one who sits yonder looking like a cat in cream.” Ognyan pointed at Sheyn. “When you’re back where you belong, I’ll slap that smirk from your face, slut.”
“King Ognyan,” Djulyan said loudly. “I have heard your grievance. If you’ve no more to add, you may sit or stand as it pleases you, but be silent until called upon.”
Ognyan acknowledged the high king with a slight bow in Djulyan’s direction and then went back to stand near his chair.
Djulyan looked to Kashyan. “And what is your answer?”
“I went into Sumadin for revenge on the man who dishonored my mother, the Queen of Savaan. I challenged him. He accepted and lost.”
“And what of Pearl?”
Kashyan shifte
d his weight, bringing his hip forward and placing his sword in easy reach. “Pearl is mine.”
Djulyan held up a hand to forestall Ognyan’s protest. “When I received the request for a judgment, I sent my agents out to gather what information they could on this matter. I’ve formed what I believe is a clear picture of the events, and this is my judgment.
“Prince Kashyan acted within the bounds of honor in killing King Yevdjen. My agents, having spoken with Yevdjen’s widow, find her description of the king’s wounds quite telling, and their report leads me to believe Kashyan’s account of the duel.” Djulyan paused when Ognyan made a sound of strangled rage. “Hold your peace until I’ve finished,” he said sternly.
“On the matter of the daaksi, Pearl.” The high king glanced at Sheyn. “I have met with Kashyan and Pearl together, and I judge them to have a true bond. Therefore, it’s not within my right to separate them. If you require a daaksi, Ognyan, I will require Kashyan to procure one for you. Now I will hear your thoughts on this judgment.”
“Is this the will of the council?” Ognyan asked.
“The council advised me, and I considered their advice when I made my decision. You may address the council, if you wish.”
“Is it truly your will, my lords, that Yevdjen of Sumadin go unavenged?” Ognyan asked. “Are you such cowards that you dare not go against the word of the high king? You all know the Bastard murdered my liege. He abducted my daaksi and Yevdjen’s and ran to his brother who hides him still. Against my instincts, I brought this matter before you, trusting in you to judge fairly, but you’re naught more than sheep led by a bellwether.”
Djulyan held up a hand to still the outraged cries of the council. “You accuse me of having no naaks. Where were yours when your king was fighting for his life?”
“He was fleeing as fast as his horse could carry him,” Kashyan said before Ognyan shouted him down.
“Prince Kashyan has the right to speak,” Djulyan said.
“All of his words are lies,” Ognyan said loudly.
“You’re the liar,” Kashyan said. “You were there when I fought Yevdjen, but you weren’t at his side. You were in a bedchamber forcing yourself on an unwilling boy like the swine you are.”
“No insults or threats will be tolerated here,” Djulyan warned.
“I beg your pardon, sire,” Kashyan said. “It irks me to see Ognyan of Sumadin standing there pretending to be a man.”
“I will meet you whenever you like,” Ognyan said. “Be sure you bring your sword.”
“No more threats,” Djulyan roared, and for a few moments, there was dead silence until he spoke again. “King Ognyan, have we heard your last word on this judgment?”
“I do not accept this judgment,” Ognyan said.
“Ognyan!” Kezlath burst out, before he got himself under control.
“That’s treason, Ognyan,” said King Agneth-Khol.
“Defy me, and you will find the combined armies of the nations of Kandaar at your gates,” Djulyan said.
“Then may I have your leave to go? I wish to return to Sumadin where the old ways are still honored.”
“You may go,” Djulyan said and waited until Ognyan had marched away before he resumed speaking. “Now I would like to raise a matter. Kezlath, I’ve had reports of banned rites being performed in the Red Temple.”
“Sire, I—” Kezlath got to his feet.
“I could forgive you if this were a case of a king being unduly influenced by one of Taankh’s Servants, but I understand that you conspired with the high priest. It’s said you gave him leave to use such of your subjects as he found suitable for sacrifice. If you betrayed the sacred trust between a ruler and his people, you are no fit king.”
“Who told you those filthy lies?” Kezlath asked, his voice rising on each word.
“The rite of summoning was witnessed by men whose word I trust. It’s forbidden to call Taankh’s Children into this world. You know this.”
“I’ve called no demons,” Kezlath said. “I gave you permission to enter the Temple and take back your daaksi. This is the doing of the white witch at your back. Ognyan told me how that unnatural daaksi called monsters down upon him.”
“Yes, it’s clear that Ognyan wishes harm to the Savaani, but you can’t tell me you believe this daaksi wields sorcerous powers.”
“My high priest believes it,” Kezlath said.
“Thank you for reminding me.” Djulyan cleared his throat. “High Priest Chanesh is charged with kidnapping Pearl and attempting to summon a demon.”
“If you are punishing me for standing with Ognyan—”
“I’m thinking of charging you with treason. Do you wish to lose your crown?”
“You can’t do that!”
“In fact, he can,” said the Lake King. “But I for one would be disturbed if he did without showing evidence.”
“Aye,” agreed King Preth of Long Isle. “I’d want to see proof of Kezlath’s perfidy before I consented to dethroning him.”
“Then we shall have a tour of the Temple and give the high priest a chance to explain,” Djulyan said. “And no one is to leave this assembly without my permission.”
Kezlath broke off whispering to his aide and gave the high king a sickly smile. “I would be honored if you would all be my guests in Taar Muergan.”
Djulyan called for the captain of the royal guard. “Keep watch over King Kezlath,” he said. “Make sure he sends no messages ahead of us to the city.”
“It will be done,” the captain said.
“Then we should all go and prepare.” Djulyan got to his feet and so did everyone else. “We’ll meet before the gates of the city.”
OGNYAN WENT from court into Taar Muergan. After stopping at the palace, he went to the Red Temple. He and his companion were admitted to the high priest’s presence.
“Your Majesty.” Chanesh greeted the king of Sumadin with a respectful bow. “I fear from the set of your face that the ruling did not go as we hoped.”
“It was as you foretold,” Ognyan said. “Djulyan brought his weight down on the side of the Savaanim. The sooner Kezlath takes the crown of high king, the happier I’ll be.”
Chanesh glanced at Ognyan’s companion. “This must be the lad you told me about. Welcome to the Temple of Taankh, Prince Djenosh. Such a handsome young man. How old are you?”
“I’m to be sixteen in two months,” the crown prince of Sumadin answered.
“Your uncle—” Chanesh glanced at Ognyan. “King Ognyan tells me you’re very special.”
“He shouldn’t listen to my mother so much, sir,” Djenosh said with one of his winning smiles.
“What a fetching lad,” Chanesh said as he came from behind his writing desk. “I promised you a tour of the Temple, I believe.”
Djenosh’s eyes glowed at the thought of the morbid marvels that lay ahead in the fabled Red Temple. He couldn’t believe his luck in being allowed to ride with his stepfather’s honor guard, and now he was inside the ancient building whose stones were said to be steeped in blood. He was excited and a little bit scared, but he knew Ognyan would not allow him to come to harm.
“This way,” Chanesh said as he led the way into the hall. “The building we’re entering is the oldest structure in Muergath. It was constructed rather like a beehive. You probably noticed from the outside that the walls slope inward as they rise.”
Ognyan grunted his lack of interest. Djenosh nodded politely, but he didn’t care about the construction, either. Secretly, he hoped to see a demon, or at least an imp. He’d been fast asleep the night the creatures had attacked the camp at Karkaran Fortress, and he was keenly disappointed that there wasn’t so much as a scale or a talon left in the morning.
“Before we continue to the Gate Chamber, I’d like you to meet someone.” Chanesh paused before a door and the Red Monk on guard opened it.
“What happens in here?” Djenosh asked as he looked around the curved walls of the room. The only piece of furnitu
re was a long table with candles burning at each corner.
“I’ll show you,” Yozif said as he moved into view.
Chapter 23
DJULYAN DISMISSED the council, and Kholya, Kashyan, and Sheyn went to their tent. Luks was very happy to hear of the high king’s judgment but not overjoyed at the news that they were going to Taar Muergan.
“No good will come of this,” he said.
“We’re King Kezlath’s guests,” Kholya said. “He won’t break guest-law. Djulyan’s already threatened to take his crown away.”
“I don’t understand, my lord.”
“The high king has the power to dethrone a monarch if that monarch proves himself rankly unworthy of his crown. Of course, enforcing such an order would require a war.”
“I didn’t know that,” Luks said. “My lord?”
“Yes?”
“I’ve been afraid to ask, but do you believe I’m the high king’s child?”
“How can I doubt it? Even if you aren’t his lost firstborn, you are at the least one of his bastards. You and Prince Ardjul could be twins.”
“I agree,” Sheyn said as he handed around cups of snow-chilled water. “It’s like a grand tale, isn’t it? A stolen baby is revealed to be a prince.” He paused. “Except the part about the prince being made into some sort of mystical pleasure slave.” His eyes widened as he saw Luks’s change of expression. “I’m sorry,” he said quickly. “That was a thoughtless thing to say.”
“But it’s true,” Luks said. “I’m glad to know I have a family, but I can’t simply take my place with them. How could any of them see me without thinking about my past?”
“You surprise me,” Sheyn said. “I thought you were proud to be a daaksi.”
“I was.” Luks looked down into his cup. “But the things I was proud of belong to the past. To be a daaksi in this age…. You’re right. I’m merely a pleasure slave.”
“Not to me,” Kholya said. “I should have spoken before now, but I feel a true bond with you.”
“I’m happy to hear you say it.” Luks smiled, though tears trembled in his eyes.
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