Shrouded Sky (The Veils of Lore Book 1)

by A. Akers, Tracy

  “Father, listen to me. The elementals deposited her on our shore for a reason. Tygg just happened to be there, or maybe his gods placed him there; we cannot know. All we know is what we have before us: a True One of two bloods and the chance to destroy Marcassett!”

  “We cannot know what Chandra’s role is in all this. And to challenge the Sovereign now with so little a plan?” Jhon shook his head. “It will be difficult.”

  “I know, and I’m sorry.”

  “You have nothing to be sorry for. We knew this day might come, yet now that it has I regret I ever encouraged you to be a part of it.”

  “I’m honored to have served you, Father. And the House of Seth.”

  “And now that we may be at the end of it?”

  Orryn did not answer.

  “Very well,” Jhon said, his voice heavy. “I see no other choice for us.”

  Orryn breathed with relief, but it was bittersweet. Though he knew subjugation was the only chance they had to spare Chandria and Tygg, to save his family and destroy Marcassett, he also knew it would mean the end of all things as he knew them. From now on he would be a Pedant functioning on forced memories. His family would mean little to him, no memories of love, no memories of the traditions they had held dear. Chandria would be nothing more than an Imela, and Tygg just another cat.

  “You’d best get dressed,” Jhon said, stepping to the bed.

  Orryn gathered up his clothes. “Shall I have Mother fetch Chandria something else to wear?” he asked, pulling on his trousers.

  “Yes, and tell your mother what we must do. She has a right to know, as does Tiersa.”

  Orryn swallowed hard, realizing it was time to say his goodbyes. He drew his shirt over his head, then pulled his boots onto his feet. He moved to his father’s side. “Thank you,” he said.

  “I love you, son,” Jhon replied, “and whether you ever know it again, I always will.”

  “And I you, Father.”

  Orryn looked down at Chandria and felt a strange knot in his throat. Never again would he see her as he did now. Never again would he hold her in his arms.

  The realization weighed heavy on him. How could he bear knowing he had brought her to this place, that her life was at risk on account of it? And yet he knew he would bear it, for soon he would forget her, just as he would forget everything about himself that made him who he truly was.

  “Go,” Jhon said. He placed a hand on the girl’s forehead. “Tell your mother and Tiersa.”

  Orryn’s eyes lingered on Chandria for a moment more, then he turned and walked from the room.

  CHAPTER 25

  Jhon hurried down the cobbled backstreet, working to keep to the shadows. It was morning, main street shoppers were already out and about, and based on the purpose of his mission, he could risk no more speculation, especially that which another trip by carriage would bring. Word had spread that a Taubastet Imela was in the city, and rumors were flying as to why she was being escorted by coach and kept at the Seth estate. The Taubastet male did not warrant the same curiosity, of course: he was in the catacombs and would not likely see the light of day. To add more fodder to the gossip, emissaries from the Three realms had arrived unexpectedly. Something was afoot, voices whispered, and people were salivating to know what.

  As Jhon replayed the events of the morning, he could not help but pray it was not too late. Something told him Tygg could be an asset to the cause, but he no longer knew what that cause was. Until now, it had always been his unrelenting duty to Agneis, the goddess of Knowledge through whom he had acquired his gifts. Now the only duty he felt was toward his family—and how to keep them alive.

  The palace compound gate came into view and Jhon rehearsed his purpose. As head of the Council it was his duty to welcome all emissaries. But there was only one emissary he wished to speak with at the moment: Edrea of Tearia. And it wasn’t just to welcome her.

  He reached the guard station and stated his name. The guard did not question him and allowed him to pass, but Jhon had expected no different. He’d never given the Sovereign or those in her service any reason to doubt him. He, like most, knew how to play the game. And he knew how to play it well.

  He entered through the massive iron gates being opened for him. They were tall and spiked and impossible to breach, designed to provide security against those who attempted to enter without permission, denying escape for those who tried to exit without it. The doors clanked shut behind him, sending a chill down Jhon’s spine, but he dared not break his stride. The slightest change in his behavior could bring unwanted scrutiny.

  The royal quarters were ahead of him, but Jhon detoured and headed to the guest house instead. Emissaries, though rare, were always housed separately from members of the court. Lush and manicured, the guest quarters were small compared to the larger structures on the grounds, but there was no need for anything grander. Few came to visit, and even fewer stayed for long.

  Jhon stopped before the dark mahogany door leading into the building and tapped the brightly polished knocker. A male servant opened it and ushered him in.

  The foyer beyond the door was long and dark, its floors made of black slate, the walls on either side of it of richly paneled wood. The servant led him down the corridor and into the brightly lit common area at the far end of it.

  “Please tell Lady Edrea that Jhon of the House of Seth wishes to speak with her,” Jhon said to him.

  “Yes, my lord.” The servant bowed and took his leave to notify her.

  Jhon stepped further into the well-appointed room. Its walls glowed with the prisming effects of its tall, beveled windows, and the furnishings within it were elegant, cushioned in velvet and warmed by a massive stone fireplace that dominated the far wall. But Jhon knew appearances could be deceiving. There was nothing inviting, or private, about the place, regardless of the attempts to make it seem so.

  A crystal decanter winked on a table across the way and Jhon made his way to it. He lifted the decanter, eyeing its contents, then poured some of the amber-colored liquid into a matching crystal glass. He drank it down, relishing the sweet burn of alcohol as it slid down his throat.

  “Master Seth,” a female voice said at his back.

  Jhon smiled and turned. “Lady Edrea,” he said politely. His eyes took her in. She hadn’t changed a bit, he thought. Same long, red hair. Same tall, feminine stature dressed in formfitting Tearian attire. How long had it been? Two years? Five?

  He lifted his now-empty glass. “Join me?”

  “You know me too well,” she said in his mind. She stepped toward him. “I see you have taken the liberty of starting without me, sir.”

  Jhon poured them both a glass. “My apologies, m’lady,” he said and handed one to her.

  Edrea downed its contents, then licked a drop of amber from her lips. Her blue eyes warmed as they locked with his. “I must remember to compliment your Lady on her fine selection of spirits.”

  “She will be most pleased.” Jhon ushered her to a nearby chair. “We need to speak privately,” he said telepathically.

  “Why am I not surprised,” she replied. She swept her long skirts toward the chair and sat.

  “The Council wishes to extend you and the others welcome,” he said, taking a seat across from her. “How much do you know?”

  “Thank you, Master Seth. We know she is planning another slaughter. We have come to try and stay her hand.”

  “Have you spoken with the Sovereign yet?”

  “No, from what I understand she’s taken ill.”

  “Ill?” Jhon thought on it. The Sovereign had seemed strangely weak after the incident with Orryn. “She performed an examination and rushed lavation on Orryn yesterday.”

  “What? Both? Hopefully she will be well soon. Though I’d prefer she die a long slow death.”

  “You know how she has a way of bounding back,” Jhon said.

  “Perhaps it was just something she ate. Poison, hopefully.” Edrea looked at him with concern. �
��If there’s anything I can do . . .”

  “Thank you, but I’m sure she’ll be fine.”

  “Pity.”

  “In the meantime, I’ll arrange for you and the other emissaries to meet with the Council. We are interested to learn what brings your unexpected, and welcome, visit.”

  “Oh, Jhon,” she said with a silent laugh. “I fear you are the only one that welcomes us. That would be greatly appreciated, sir, though I suspect you and your Council already know.”

  Jhon nodded. “The Pax,” he said.

  “The nullification of the Pax,” she corrected.

  “There is a Taubastet imprisoned in the catacombs. We must find a way to reach him.”

  Edrea shifted her eyes to him. “Is there a reason for it?”

  “You will have to ask the Sovereign Lady that question. I suspect the tom is with us. Orryn is convinced it’s for a purpose other than the one he stated.”

  “I understand you are housing an Imela,” she said casually.

  “Yes. My son found her and brought her here.”

  “Does she play a role in any of this?”

  “I am not authorized to answer that,” Jhon said. He rose from his seat. “Another drink, m’lady?”

  “Yes, thank you.” She stood and moved to the window while Jhon lifted the decanter and poured. “I hear the Imela is Taubastet,” she said, staring through the panes toward the gardens beyond.

  Jhon stepped to her side. “She is, and she is Tearian.” He handed her the drink.

  “A True One of two bloods?” Edrea lifted the glass to her lips, keeping her expression in check. “The other emissaries and I would love a tour of the city while we are here.”

  “Of course. It would be our pleasure.”

  “We look forward to it. What of the catacombs? It is our right under the Accords of the New Realm to inspect them.”

  “Yes, but I do not wish to hasten the Sovereign’s examination of the cat. For that reason alone I hesitate to take you.”

  “She has not yet had him brought to her?” She sounded surprised.

  “I don’t think so, and I must reach him before she does. Perhaps I shall visit Tearia one day,” Jhon said, smiling politely. “I hear it’s beautiful. I want you to take my wife and daughter with you when you leave.”

  “You would be most welcome. What are you not telling me, Jhon?”

  “Orryn and I believe the time has come. If we fail in our duty, Mayra and Tiersa will not be safe.”

  “Nor will any of us.”

  “That’s why you must leave before it happens.”

  “Master Seth,” a voice said from the doorway. Jhon turned to see one of the emissaries entering the room. “Dar,” he said in greeting. “How long has it been?”

  Dar, a strapping blond-haired man, stepped toward him, his hand extended. “Long enough,” he said, smiling.

  Jhon shook his hand. “Lady Edrea was just telling me you and the others would like a tour of the city.”

  “Indeed. It has grown so much since we were last here.”

  “As cities often do,” Jhon replied. “Drink?” He gestured to the bar.

  Dar glanced at the glasses in their hands. “I see I have some catching up to do.”

  “Not too much,” Edrea said. “We are, after all, here on business.”

  Dar stepped toward the decanter. “Have we heard from her yet?” he asked, filling a glass.

  “No,” Edrea said.

  “A snub, do you think?” Dar asked, slanting his eyes toward her.

  “I was informed she was ill.”

  “Hmmph.”

  Edrea turned to Jhon. “You know, now might be a good time for us to take that tour. Could you arrange it, Master Seth? It will give you a chance to speak with Dar and Gage privately. We cannot risk being overheard.” She looked around the room. “Walls with ears. Most inconvenient.”

  “Of course,” Jhon said. “I’d be delighted. I’ll have a servant summon us a carriage.”

  She turned to Dar. “I suppose Gage is with the kitchen staff?” she said with amusement.

  “Of course.” Dar finished off his glass and set it aside. “I’ll fetch him.”

  “You’ve not yet met the Basyl ambassador,” Edrea said to Jhon. “He has an appetite like a bear and a chest size to match.”

  “I look forward to meeting him,” Jhon said. “A bear might come in handy.” He rang for a servant and within moments a carriage was being called.

  “Have you a wrap, m’lady?” Jhon asked as they walked toward the door leading from the building.

  “Of course,” she said. She unwrapped her long skirt and threw it around her shoulders. Jhon, at first startled, was relieved to see another skirt beneath the one she had so daringly removed.

  “Do I surprise you, Master Seth?” she asked, smiling. She clasped the cape beneath her chin.

  “Always,” he replied.

  They stopped at the portico in front of the building. Dar and Gage met them there.

  Gage stepped toward Jhon. “Gage,” the bearded, bear-of-a-man said. He extended his hand.

  “Jhon of Seth,” Jhon said, shaking it

  “You’re lucky you didn’t get a handful of batter,” Dar said to Jhon as they stepped toward the coach now arriving. “Found our friend here dipping into Cook’s mixing bowl.”

  “I tell ye the woman’s a damned genius,” Gage said. “The venibron she prepared fer us was beyond compare.”

  “I am pleased to hear you have learned to appreciate Tearian dishes, Gage,” Edrea said.

  “That I ’ave, but Cook’s good enough to prepare a few Basyl selections as well. Yer Lady’s trained her staff well, Master Seth.”

  “I’ll be sure to tell her that,” Jhon said, taking Edrea’s hand and assisting her as she stepped into the carriage.

  The other two men climbed in after her.

  “Inform the Sovereign that our guests have requested a casual tour of the city,” Jhon said to the servant standing by. “If she has need of us, we’ll be visiting the west quadrant first.”

  The servant bowed and Jhon entered the carriage, closing the door behind him.

  As soon as they were past the gates, Jhon tapped on the panel above their heads. “Driver,” he called, leaning his head out the window. “To the east quadrant. The catacombs. And be quick about it.”

  “I thought you said casual tour,” Dar said, but Gage seemed oblivious to the detour. His eyes were riveted on the sites speeding past the carriage window.

  “Master Seth thought we might want to tour them while we’re here,” Edrea said.

  Dar lifted his brow. “Oh?”

  “There’s someone there he thinks we might want to meet.”

  “So why the secrecy? We have a right to inspect them if we wish.”

  “The catacombs, yes. This particular prisoner? Probably not.”

  Gage swiveled his head toward them, suddenly interested. “What sort o’ prisoner are ye talkin’?”

  “A Taubastet,” Jhon replied. “Hopefully we aren’t too late.”

  “Too late fer what?” Gage asked.

  “The Sovereign’s Shield men can sometimes be overzealous,” Jhon said, “as they are with all who seek to take the Sovereign down.”

  Dar narrowed his gaze. “What are you implying?”

  “I’m saying you should all be on your guard. Give no one reason to doubt your purpose here.”

  “Our purpose is to meet with your Lady and her Council to discuss where Syddia stands with the Taubastets.”

  “It’s not your dispute.”

  “It’s everyone’s dispute,” Gage said.

  Jhon noticed the man’s hands were fisted. Clearly the topic had touched a nerve.

  “Tell them, Jhon,” Edrea said in his mind.

  “Can they be trusted?”

  “Well, you have to trust someone. Unless you plan to take this on single-handedly.”

  “What are you two plotting?” Dar asked.

  Jh
on and Edrea looked at him.

  Dar scoffed. “You think I don’t know?”

  “Know what?” Gage asked, glancing between them.

  “We need to question the Taubastet, is all,” Edrea said. “He might be able to provide some insight that will help put an end to the dispute.”

  “Now that I’d like t’ see,” Gage said.

  “But why question him now?” Dar asked Jhon. “Why not wait until after we’ve spoken with your Lady? Sneaking behind her back will certainly not endear us to her.”

  Jhon hesitated. Should he simply come out and say it? He had only just met Gage, and Dar he had not seen in years. As for Edrea, he could reach into her mind easily enough. But she would never betray him. There were few with the gift of Knowing left in this world. Since the last shifting of the stars, those with Transcendor blood had become far and few between.

  “I only wish to provide you an opportunity to learn all you can first,” Jhon said. “Clearly you wish to stop Syddia’s reinstatement of war against the Taubastets. Why else would you be here?”

  “Of course we want to stop it,” Dar said. “While the rest of us have evolved into peaceful realms, Syddia has remained an oppressive pain in the ass.”

  “Are we tellin’ ye anythin’ ye didn’t know, Master Seth?” Gage said.

  “No,” Jhon conceded. “But you do realize the Taubastets are not completely without fault in this?”

  “We do,” Edrea said. “They’ve refused all aid the Three realms have offered. No council, no arms, not even medical aid. How can one help a race that refuses it?”

  “You can’t, at least not directly,” Jhon said.

  “And yet our consciences will not allow us to ignore their plight,” Dar said. “We do not wish to enter into your Lady’s war, Master Seth, but we may not have a choice.”

  “I understand,” Jhon said. He looked at the three of them, one by one. “Your coming here was a risky decision, but admittedly a convenient one.”

  Dar eyed him questioningly.

  “The Taubastet in custody claims he came in peace, but there’s also the issue of the Imela,” Jhon said, and proceeded to fill them in on the details.

  “Surely the cat doesn’t expect to bargain for the girl,” Dar said when Jhon had finished. “That would be folly.”