Flameseeker (Book 3)

by R. M. Prioleau

  The boy caught his breath a little and said, “Mister Sora, sir! Come to the main hall quickly. Your companions have returned. And they have brought another man with them.”

  “What?” Kaijin blinked. What are they doing back here so soon? And who is this ‘other man’?

  “High Priestess Ranaiah is speaking to them now,” the acolyte continued. “Please come as soon as you can.”

  The acolyte left. Kaijin shut the door and leaned against it, his mind racing. Why are they back here? I thought they wanted to leave? He called for Miele, and the bat came soaring down from the shadows of the ceiling. She landed on his shoulder and screeched with contentment.

  Kaijin watched her carefully and concentrated, trying to sense any tension from her. “Something just doesn’t feel right about this. I don’t know if I’m ready to face my friends again so soon. So much has happened around here. What do you think?”

  Miele yawned. Kaijin felt no anxiety from her. Somewhat reassured, Kaijin headed out the door and to the main hall, where he found a large gathering. He immediately spotted Aidan, towering over everyone.

  Ranaiah stood in the midst of the crowd, speaking to an old man in a purple robe. Curious but hesitant, Kaijin slowed, but Miele suddenly launched herself from his shoulder and flew toward the group, screeching happily.

  Kaijin blinked. “Miele!”

  She didn’t stop until she reached the purple-robed man, then dove down to a black cat sitting beside him. Startled, the cat let out a hiss, but quickly relaxed as Miele hovered before it, screeching her greetings. The cat sniffed at her a moment, and then meowed in confirmation and gently pawed at her.

  Percival, who was perched on Omari’s shoulder, scrambled down him and greeted Miele with happy squeaks and excited bouncing and romping about.

  The animals’ commotion had drawn the crowd’s attention, and all eyes turned to Kaijin, who stopped in his tracks. Kaijin swallowed a lump in his throat as he felt Ranaiah’s gaze bore into him. He shuffled slowly toward the gathering. “H-hello, everyone.”

  “Kaijin!” Nester ran up to him. “’Owya doin’, mate?”

  Kaijin smiled down at the brownie and joked, “Still surviving—I think.”

  Nester laughed.

  Zarya approached Kaijin next. “Hello, Kaijin.”

  Zarya’s perfect form and gentle smile warmed his heart. He managed to shake himself out of that brief moment of bliss. “Zarya. What a surprise to see you here.” He looked over to Omari, who remained with the old man, and Aidan, who stood near them with his arms crossed and an annoyed scowl.

  What’s with Aidan?

  “Kaijin,” Ranaiah spoke up, “this man claims he knows you. He says he is an old friend.” She backed away from the exhausted-looking, purple-robed man, who regarded Kaijin carefully.

  Kaijin felt his gut tighten. That can’t be who I think it is ... is it?

  “Kaijin, don’t say anything, but know that it’s me, your master—Jarial.”

  Kaijin blinked, unsure what he’d heard was real or not—a voice in his mind not like the fiery one he often heard, but one that sounded like someone he’d known from another life.

  But when he looked at the old man more carefully, he realized the voice was, indeed, coming from him. His eyes widened. Master?!

  XI

  In the same small private meeting room that he and Ranaiah had recently used, Kaijin sat perfectly still at the table, watching Jarial pace before the lit hearth. They had left the rest of the group in the main hall to speak in private. The room was strangely silent, save for Sable, who purred contentedly while crouched atop the opposite end of the table with her paws tucked under her chest.

  Is it really him? He looks ... ancient! Kaijin thought, still not quite completely willing to accept Jarial’s present appearance. But it’s only been a few months since we parted ways. How could he have aged so suddenly like this? Miele screeched, feeling nervous. Kaijin glanced up at one of the wooden beams in the ceiling, where she perched. And he called himself my master again. Does this mean he—

  Jarial finally stopped pacing and turned to Kaijin. “I know what you are thinking, and I’m trying to find the best way to explain.”

  Kaijin blinked. “Master, did something happen to you? Were you attacked? Cursed?”

  Jarial glanced curiously about the room a moment before leaning close to Kaijin. “I sense enchantments on these walls. Any of them, by chance a soundproof spell?” he whispered.

  Kaijin nodded. “Yes, actually. Also several types of protection spells. During my tour of the Pyre, I was informed that all of the meeting rooms were enchanted in the same manner. Our conversation should be safe from eavesdroppers.”

  Jarial sighed deeply. “It is as I said earlier, Kaijin. This is ... who I really am. I know you’ve never seen me this way, and I’m rather ashamed that you have to see it now. I only ask that you keep this secret.”

  He’s ashamed of his age? Kaijin wrinkled his brow, puzzled. “Why have you been hiding this, Master?”

  “Because ... Because ...” The man grumbled a few curses under his breath. “It is difficult to explain, but surely, you of all people would understand what it’s like to have secrets that you don’t want the whole world knowing.”

  Kaijin ran his fingers through his hair. He did have many secrets, some of which he was certain not even Jarial suspected. Memories returned to him of his home city, Easthaven, in flames, and he shut his eyes a moment. He heard the roar of the blazing inferno—the screams of his mother, father, and brother.

  Kaijin shook himself out of his reverie and refocused on Jarial. “I promise not to say anything to anyone, Master. But I don’t care about your age or appearance. I’m just very glad that you’re still alive, and I’m honored that you came all this way to see me.” Kaijin swallowed, looking down. So I really didn’t lose everything, after all. If this is your doing, Ignis, then thank you.

  Jarial gave a half smile and took a seat beside Kaijin. “I suppose I owe you an apology—a big one. I abandoned you when you needed guidance. I was afraid, for me and for you. After what happened in Easthaven, I feared that by taking you with me, I would be contending with a presence that far exceeded even my abilities. I should have taken that risk anyway, instead of cowering.”

  Kaijin gaped at his master’s words. He was speechless. I don’t think I’ve ever heard him admit to a fault before.

  “But I am a strong believer in destiny,” Jarial continued. “There was a reason we parted ways that day in Easthaven, and I think I know it now. You’re not that same boy I trained. You have an aura about you—a power that could probably exceed even the most adept mages. You don’t need me to train you anymore, Kaijin. That day we parted ways was the beginning of your own training as a master. I am very proud and honored to have had you as a student.”

  Kaijin beamed. “You will always be my master. I cannot see you in any other way.”

  Jarial chuckled and patted Kaijin’s shoulder. “Yes, I did instill that into your mind at an early age, didn’t I?” He stared straight ahead.

  Curious, Kaijin followed Jarial’s gaze to one of the walls, upon which hung a large gold-framed portrait of an armored man bearing Ignis’s symbol upon his tabard and a mace in one hand. He posed regally against a backdrop of a wall of fire.

  “I trust these people here are treating you well?” Jarial asked.

  Kaijin’s thoughts flitted to Ranaiah, and his smile broadened. “Oh yes, very much so. Have you met the high priestess, Ranaiah? She is amazing. So beautiful, kind, wise, powerful ...” His heart thumped. “There are not enough words to describe how great she is.”

  “I see.” Jarial stroked his chin, looking amused.

  Kaijin’s own cheeks immediately felt hot. “Uh ... That is, she’s been helping me learn more about my powers.”

  “Yes, I’m sure she has.”

  Kaijin squirmed in his chair and looked elsewhere. “Well, I ... I didn’t mean ...”

  “Don’t g
o shy on me, Kaijin. I know you like a book. I purposely kept you away from the distractions of social life and women so you could concentrate on your studies. But since you are an adult now and no longer under my tutelage, you should discover and enjoy these things.”

  Kaijin’s cheeks were still hot, but a smile tugged at the corner of his mouth. “I ... think I love her, Master. Very much. She makes me feel so alive and happy every time I’m around her.” I can’t believe I’m telling him this! But he trusts me to keep his secret, so I will trust him to keep mine.

  “Ranaiah sounds like a lovely woman, and she would be a very lucky woman to have someone like you,” Jarial said.

  Kaijin beamed.

  “So much has happened in these few months, it seems. You will need to fill me in on your adventures.”

  “Certainly. Let’s talk more tonight.”

  Jarial nodded once, and then turned and looked toward the hearth. He closed his eyes a moment and pinched the bridge of his nose, appearing deep in thought. “Kaijin, my coming here was not solely to reunite with you. Something has happened in Ghaeldorund—something very big and tragic—and I’m led to believe that there may be others here at the Pyre who are also involved.”

  Vargas’s questionable behavior piqued Kaijin’s suspicions, but he wasn’t entirely certain if he was who Jarial meant, so he spoke no names. “What happened, Master?”

  Jarial took a deep breath and retold his tale. When he finished, he sat back in his chair.

  Kaijin sat, awestruck. So that’s where I’ve heard that name before. Na’val Faulk was Omari’s master!

  “Have you any suspicions about who here might possibly be a conspirator?”

  Vargas and the note. Kaijin opened his mouth to reply but considered his words. He’d promised Ranaiah to remain silent regarding her tie to the Beshara family. But Jarial was depending on him for anything that would bring him closer to justice for the once-great Citadel master.

  I wonder how Omari is dealing with this loss. Kaijin bowed his head, knowing what it felt like to lose a loved one. He had lost his entire family to a horde of the undead, but for a mage, the bond between a master and his student was just as strong as a bond with family.

  “Kaijin,” Jarial said, “this is important—not just for me, but for Omari and everyone else at the Citadel. Na’val’s death must be avenged. If you know something—anything ...”

  “There was a priest who went mad with power. He was abducted by a creature that he had summoned, and taken away to the Plane of Fire.”

  Jarial’s eyes widened. “Go on.”

  Kaijin paused, being careful to stay away from mentioning the Beshara. “I was preparing to go to Ankhram on some business before you and the others arrived. You mentioned the Ben-nyu. There are surely some clues to be found there concerning that.”

  Jarial scowled. “Ankhram is a very long way, Kaijin. Did you really plan on going there alone?”

  “Well ... yes. Why not? Perhaps I’m mad for wanting to do so, but the business I have there is important.”

  “I shall accompany you.” Jarial rose from his chair. His actions roused Sable, who had been napping in her current sitting position. “And this time, I will not abandon you.”

  “Thank you, Master. But you don’t have to—”

  “I’ve already made up my mind, Kaijin. I’m going.”

  “But, Master, it’s a very long trip, and—”

  “And what?” Jarial huffed and crossed his arms. “You think I’m too old to travel? I’ll have you know that I’ve been traveling long before you were even a thought. Besides, my usual disguise of youth gives me all the physical abilities of a young buck to go with it.”

  Kaijin sighed and let the matter rest. He stood from his chair and quietly pushed it in. “I suppose I should talk to Omari and the others.”

  “Yes, you do that. I am going to rest these old bones, so I can hopefully have new young bones again tomorrow. We will need to head to Ostwyn first, to catch a boat that will take us across the sea to the city of Sinan, in Ankhram. I’ve been to Ostwyn only once, but it’s a very busy port city. I’m sure we will be able to board one of the passenger ships there.” He got up from his chair. “Go see the rest of your friends, and we will talk more later.”

  Kaijin watched Jarial leave. The man looked feeble as he shuffled slowly to the door, slightly hunched. Sable leapt off the table and followed him. Kaijin worried about Jarial’s ability to travel, but there would be no stopping the stubborn man.

  After Jarial had closed the door behind him, Kaijin turned to the hearth and sat on the edge of the table, idly fidgeting with the fiery charm that he wore around his neck. Master, you may be old, but you’re still the greatest man I ever met.

  XII

  As Kaijin walked the halls of the south transept, he heard the echoes of Aidan’s booming voice overriding Nester’s strident one. He stopped in his tracks. Are my ears deceiving me, or is Aidan actually angry?

  His curiosity overtaking him, Kaijin hurried to the main hall. Miele, who had been following him from above, followed. In the main hall, Zarya, Omari, Ranaiah, and Canicus, one of the attendants, stood around Aidan and Nester in a semicircle, watching the two argue.

  “You think Aidan would not know? Not realize?” the giant bellowed.

  “Nay, Aidan, you got it all wrong!” Nester exclaimed, waving his arms about.

  Aidan’s fists began to shake at his sides. “You took advantage of those children, making them believe your lies so that they can coerce Aidan into coming on this trip!”

  Nester gulped and backed away from Aidan, only stopping when he bumped into Omari’s leg. “Nay! Nay! I ain’t took advantage of no one! The kids were all, uh ... excited! Aye, that’s right. So excited that they misunderstood me!” He looked up at Omari. “Ain’t that right, mate?”

  Omari glowered at the brownie and stepped away from him. “I am staying out of this.” Percival, who was sitting on his shoulder, squeaked in agreement.

  Aidan stormed over to Nester and grabbed him by the back of his jerkin, lifting him up to eye level. “Aidan would never say no to the children, but you mistake Aidan’s kindness for weakness.”

  “D-don’t ’urt me, Aidan! Please!” Nester whined. “No violence, aye?”

  Aidan’s left eye twitched. He bared his fangs.

  Zarya gasped. “Aidan, no! Please put him down.” After motioning to the others to stay put, she approached the giant.

  Nester struggled in Aidan’s grasp. “’Elp! I think ’e’s really gonna kill me!”

  Zarya cast a stern glance at Nester before attempting to calm Aidan. “Aidan, what Nester did was wrong, but hurting him will not solve anything. Violence is never the answer. Isn’t that what you always say?”

  “Aye, that’s right!” Nester added. “An’ I swear on my pa’s grave I won’t ever lie to th’ li’l brats again!”

  “So you did lie to them!” the giant raised his fist.

  Nester paled. His scrawny body trembled in fear. “Aye! Aye! I confess! But I won’t do it again! I promise! Please believe me, mate! It was all in good fun!”

  “Aidan ...” Zarya began.

  Aidan deflated and lowered Nester back to his feet. “Aidan heard all he needed to hear. He will hold Nester to his word that he will not lie to the children ever again.”

  Nester’s legs buckled, and the brownie collapsed on his rear, still trembling, catching his breath.

  Zarya sighed and shook her head, then returned to Ranaiah and the others.

  “What, exactly, was that all about?” Ranaiah asked, narrowing her eyes at the other priestess.

  “Honestly, I am rather confused about it, myself. But I am glad it’s over,” Zarya replied.

  “Trust me, you do not want to know,” Omari said.

  “Actually, I would,” Kaijin said, walking toward the group.

  With widened eyes, everyone paused and acknowledged him.

  Miele playfully dive-bombed Percival. The weasel s
crambled down Omari’s body, and the two animals chased each other around the main hall.

  Nester sprang to his feet and ran to Kaijin. “Am I glad to see you, mate!”

  “The feeling’s mutual,” Kaijin said, ignoring the brownie’s outstretched hand. He lifted his gaze to Aidan’s scowling face and asked Nester, “What sort of trouble are you starting now?”

  Omari huffed. “Does it matter? We have more important business to take care of. Surely Master Glace has already informed you.”

  “He has.” Kaijin nodded. “I now know what I need to do.” He cast a quick glance at Ranaiah. “I need to stop a renegade priest.”

  Omari blinked. “A what? Is there truly such a thing?”

  “Like mages who abuse their power, clerics who have renounced their deities are also considered outcasts—renegades,” Zarya stated. “It is not uncommon for fallen clerics to seek revenge, or even ally themselves with an enemy deity.”

  “If you are referring to Vargas,” Ranaiah said, “then I do not believe he has fallen from the Firelord’s favor. But I agree that he needs to be found and stopped.” She moved away from the group and ascended the shallow staircase leading up to the massive altar of a burning brazier. Standing before the altar was Brett, who led four other high-ranking priests in prayer.

  “Wait, so you know this ‘renegade’ warder, Kaijin?” Nester asked.

  “Well, yeah. It’s Vargas,” Kaijin replied. “You remember him, right?”

  “Aye, I do. ’E was one of th’ blokes that shooed me off when I came ’ere th’ first time. I should’ve known ’e’d be trouble.”

  Zarya clutched her hands. “By the goddess! Renegade clerics are extremely dangerous, for they wield the powers of their deities without constraint.”

  “Yeah, I kind of figured that,” Kaijin said. “After you all left, Vargas changed for the worse....” He went on to tell them about the cleric’s strange behavior: the tortuous tests.