Chain of Illusions (Bringer and the Bane)

by Brux, Boone

  “The pieces he didn’t deem worthy of selling are actually the most valuable. Some are priceless, brought through the Mystic Arch during the Bane War,” Juna continued. “But because they’re not encrusted with gold and jewels, the imbecile thinks they’re worthless.” She shook her head. “All the better for us. At least if they stay within these walls the relics will remain safe.”

  “I’m liking Lord Bagita less and less,” Rell said.

  “He does have that effect on people,” Ravyn replied.

  As they continued their trek, the crowds of people thinned until nobody but the four of them remained. At the bottom step Ravyn peeked around the corner and then motioned them forward. Heat rippled across Rell’s skin, sinking into her muscles. She shook her arms.

  Jade looked at her. “You feel it too?”

  “What is that?” She regarded the empty outer chamber. There was nothing but low-burning braziers and stone benches set into deep alcoves. The place had a hollow feel, as if nothing living should exist within the hall. She rubbed her arms to chase away a sense of foreboding. “It doesn’t feel like the rest of Illuma Grand.”

  “This is sacred ground.” Juna turned to face them. “The original site of the Mystic Arch.”

  The three women glanced at each other and then back to Juna. A thought occurred to Rell. “Original site? You mean the Mystic Arch is still there?”

  “Yes, this is where we entered when Gregory opened the passage. We didn’t realize Illuma Grand had been built around the Arch.” Juna scowled. “It’s a blessing and a curse. If we can open the portal once the heir is found, then we’ll be able to bring more soldiers through safely. They won’t be set upon when crossing into Inness.”

  “That’s fortunate, and would give the Bringers an upper hand,” Jade said.

  “Yes, but if our reinforcements are followed through the Arch by those who oppose Gregory, they could infiltrate this stronghold and bring down the wards.”

  “Best we don’t let them through then, eh?” Rell said.

  Her sister nodded. “But this won’t be an issue unless we find the heir.”

  “And the immortal weapons.” Ravyn looked at Juna, cocking her head. “That’s why we’re searching the Council Chambers, isn’t it.”

  Her sister gave a single nod. “Yes, Gregory has long suspected that the weapons were hidden near the Arch so they would be easily accessible to the Bringers who crossed. He’s searched the Chamber himself many times, but has found nothing.”

  “There is something about the Chamber,” Ravyn said. “When the Council questioned me, it felt like the room itself intensified all three of my Bringer senses.”

  “That’s why Gregory wanted us to try. My Tell is stronger than Ravyn’s, but because she is part of the Trilation, she still has the abilities. With the two of us—” Juna pointed to Rell. “And another Tell, we are more likely to pick up on the subtle vibrations the immortal weapons give off.”

  “What if they’ve been moved?” Jade asked. “Luc and I found one of the daggers in the market of Faela. What’s to say that somebody hasn’t removed all of them?”

  “Most likely that is what’s happened.” Juna strode toward the two ornately carved doors. Which is probably why Gregory hasn’t found anything thus far.”

  Before Juna could reach for the handle, one of the doors creaked open and a woman slipped out. The stinging bite, similar to that of the Bane, bit into Rell’s arms. The woman’s bright orange shawl instantly marked her as an enemy. The zing of four swords being simultaneously dragged from sheaths rang through the hall.

  From her time as a Bane spent ferreting out information about Luc, Rell had become all too familiar with the black magic clans. She held the point of her blade against the woman’s neck. “A Splinter.” Rell pushed the tip against the woman’s skin. “Now what would a black-magic bitch like you be doing inside the Bringer fortress?”

  A little cry slipped from the woman. She slowly turned to face them, her large brown eyes round with fear. “Please don’t kill me.” Her gaze bounced between the Bringers, searching their faces and dress, taking in information. “You’re full Bringers—but how? I was told none of you existed any longer.”

  “Surprise.” Jade slid her blade along the front fold of the orange shawl, pulling it away from the woman’s body. “Are you here to steal?” She paused and gave a mirthless smile. “Or are you up to more nefarious deeds.”

  “Please, I am here by Lord Bagita’s invitation.” She pressed her hand to her chest, just below where the tip of Rell’s blade rested. “Please don’t hurt me. I have a daughter.”

  Juna lowered her sword toward the woman’s stomach. “Even Bagita isn’t stupid enough to allow you into Illuma Grand.”

  The Splinter swallowed hard, her eyes glancing at Rell, whose blade still pressed into her throat. “I dance for him.”

  Jade looked to her companions. “Is she telling the truth?”

  “Of a sort,” Ravyn said, lowering her sword but not sheathing it. “But she also lies.”

  “It’s the truth. I enter through his private chamber.” Her voice wavered. “Please, I’ve done nothing wrong.”

  “Done nothing wrong? What are you doing in the Council Chamber? It is off-limits to outsiders.” Still holding her blade in place, Rell took a step toward the trespasser, closing the space between them to a mere few inches. “I can feel the Bane taint on you, Splinter.” She laid the edge of her blade against the woman’s neck and smirked. “I should know. I used to be one. So I suggest you tell us everything, because though these two might be willing to listen to your lies…” She flicked her head toward Jade and Ravyn. “I’d just as soon cut down every rotting bit of human filth the Bane has ever touched.” She stepped back and let her gaze trail down and back up the Splinter’s body. “And I’m certain that includes you.”

  Tears spilled down the woman’s cheeks and she covered her face with her hands. Juna slid a glance to Rell, smirking and giving her a nod of approval.

  Perhaps she’d over done the threat a bit, but in all honesty, it was exactly how she felt.

  Ravyn cleared her throat. “What’s your name?”

  The Splinter sniffed and lowered her hands. “Fatima.”

  “Why are you here—besides dancing for Bagita?” Ravyn asked.

  Though soft, Ravyn’s voice filled the space. Rell resisted the urge to look at her, but it was difficult because she’d laced her question with a compulsion to respond.

  Fatima sniffed again and straightened. “Please, they’ll kill me and take my daughter if they find out I’ve been caught.”

  “Who will?” Again Rell pressed the tip of her blade against the woman’s neck.

  “Sha-hera and Vile.” Fatima stiffened, as if preparing to be skewered. “They promised a better life for me and my daughter if I helped them.” She broke into another sob. “I will do anything to keep my child safe.”

  “Apparently.” Rell lowered her blade and looked at her companions. “What should we do with her? She can’t be trusted if she’s working for the Bane.”

  “What is Vile’s plan?” Jade rested the tip of her sword on the floor between her feet, but her hand remained firmly on the hilt. “What were you orders?”

  “I was to entice Lord Bagita into showing me the Council Chamber.”

  “To what end?” Ravyn asked.

  Fatima shrugged. “I don’t know. I was supposed to search the room for weapons and markings. That’s all Sha-hera said.”

  The four Bringers exchanged glances. If Vile was trying to access Illuma Grand, then he more than likely knew of the immortal weapons and possibly the Mystic Arch. Not wanting to give the Splinter more information, Rell didn’t voice her suspicions, but instead asked, “Are there other Splinters working with the Bane?”

  Fatima shook her head. “I don’t know. Sha-hera comes to me when she needs something done. I’ve not asked about any others.”

  “We can’t leave her here to run around Illuma Gran
d.” Juna slid her blade into her sheath. “From what I can tell, she’s spoken the truth thus far.” She pinned Fatima with a stare that would have quelled most men. “Is there more you’re not telling us, more of Vile’s plan?”

  “No.” The Splinter toyed with the fringe on her shawl. “I swear that is all I’ve been asked to do.”

  Ravyn looked at her sister. “You have more experience with this. What do you suggest?”

  The older Tell stared at their captive for a few seconds before speaking. “There are other options for you and your daughter.”

  Fear laced with hope flashed in Fatima’s eyes. “What other choice do I have? They will take her.”

  “They will take your daughter, anyway,” Rell said. Her words came out harsh. “You are a fool if you think otherwise.”

  Juna placed a hand on Rell’s arm, instantly calming the ire building inside her. “The Bringers will help you if you pledge yourself to their service.”

  “How can they protect us?” Though she sounded as if she didn’t believe Juna, the Splinter’s stance relaxed slightly. “The Bane are powerful.”

  Jade leaned forward, braced against her sword. “And you think the Bringers are not?”

  A fireball appeared in Ravyn’s hand. The orb pulsed in her palm, sparking and roiling.

  Fatima’s eyes widened and she took a step backward. “Please don’t hurt me.”

  Rell had to admit; even she was impressed by Ravyn’s control. A twinge of jealousy pushed at her, but Rell quickly smothered it. Perhaps one day she’d gain such control over her powers, but never would her abilities match Ravyn’s or Juna’s. Ravyn and Juna were part of the Trilation.

  “I won’t hurt you, but you must trust us, Fatima.” Ravyn sheathed her sword and slid the flaming orb to her other hand. “We are capable of protecting you and your daughter.”

  Ravyn closed her fist, extinguishing the fire. The Splinter looked at Ravyn’s empty hand and then let her gaze travel over the women. “And if I don’t want your protection?”

  “Then you are free to go.” Juna waved toward the stairs. “But you will never be allowed into Illuma Grand again. We will make sure of that.”

  Surprised by Juna’s acquiescence, Rell bit back her retort. How could she just let the traitor go? The Splinters were dangerous and from what she’d learned from Magnus, the perfect companion for the Bane.

  “You’ll just let me go?” Fatima asked.

  “Yes, but think hard about my proposition.” Juna folded her hands in front of her body and smiled benignly at the Splinter. “I doubt you’ll get such a generous offer from the Bane.”

  Rell was struck by her words. Spoken evenly, they definitely held a threat. The woman’s years of commanding alongside Gregory emanated from her, humbling Rell and her meager pride even more.

  Fatima straightened. “I will think about it.” She backed away from the four Bringers. “Truly I will.”

  They watched her walk briskly across the marble chamber, her fleeing footsteps silent. When she was gone, Rell turned to Juna. “Why did you let her go?”

  “We cannot hold her or take her with us on our journey.” Juna walked to the doors to the Council Chamber. “If she does indeed seek our protection, she will be more willing to help us since we showed her mercy.”

  “And if she does not?” Rell followed behind her. “What if she discovered something inside?” She laid her hand against the door, halting Juna. “And she takes that information back to Sha-hera?”

  A look of patience crossed Juna’s face. “I am confident Fatima found nothing inside.” Juna pushed the door open, walked into the room, and stopped. “To the untrained eye it is just another magnificent chamber.”

  Rell’s breath caught. Arches soared dozens of feet above her and an intricate pattern of circles made of colored tiles graced the floor. The design was familiar to her. She pointed. “This is the same configuration Gregory made with the knife before bringing me to full power.”

  “Yes, it’s the sacred symbol used by the king in ceremony and in private prayer.” Juna pointed to the floor. “The connecting circles symbolize the waves when a single drop of water hits the surface of a lake. Like those ripples, the king’s prayers flow to all the people he rules, bringing prosperity and blessings to them and the land.” Her expression softened and she looked at Rell, resting her fists on her hips. “Very impressive that you recognized it.”

  Jade gave Rell a firm slap on the back. “You always were the observant one.”

  Rell snorted. “Because of your penchant for practical jokes when you were a child. Need I remind you of the time you put night hoppers in my boots.”

  Rell took a step forward but Jade blocked her with her arm, stopping her before she stepped inside the circle.

  “You may want to skirt the edges of the stones,” her sister said.

  Ravyn nodded. “Agreed. No telling what might happen now that we are all at full power. Last time I stepped inside the circles I burst into flames.”

  Rell’s brows shot up in surprise. “Good to know.”

  “Search the walls and see if you can sense anything unusual.” Juna said, turning the conversation back to their mission. She placed her hands against the smooth stones and inched her way to the left. “Rell, use your Tell to guide you, and Jade, keep watch to make sure we have no more visitors.”

  Jade nodded and took up a spot at the door, peering out the crack.

  Ravyn moved to the far side of the chamber, while Rell circled in the opposite direction, unsure what she was supposed to be looking for. A low hum resonated throughout the room. With a little effort Rell managed to accept the strange vibration as normal and continue her search.

  “Do you feel anything?” Jade whispered from several feet away.

  “Nothing so far.” Rell crept along the room’s boundaries and as she rounded the first curve, her hands slid across a large square tile placed in wall. Warmth seeped into her palms. The change was almost imperceptible but definitely there. “Wait.”

  Jade jogged to where she was standing. “Something?”

  “Touch this,” Rell said.

  Jade laid her hand against the tile and closed her eyes. “I don’t feel anything.”

  “It’s subtle, but grew warm under my touch. Juna.” Rell waved the Tell over. “I think I might have found something.” Ravyn and Juna edged around the stone circle to where they stood. “Place your hand here.” Both women did as Rell told them. “Do you feel it?”

  “Yes.” Juna’s fingers traced the symbol embossed on the stone square. “This is a Bringer symbol for king. Gregory told me there are several throughout Illuma Grand.” Ravyn removed her hand and Juna closed her eyes, pressing her palm flat against the symbol. “Strange that Gregory did not sense this when he searched the chamber.”

  “I can’t feel it,” Jade said, “I’m a Redeemer and he’s a Shield. You said Tells are more sensitive to this. Maybe that’s why.”

  “Perhaps.” Juna opened her eyes, a look of determination crossing her face. She braced one hand against the wall, and using all her force, pushed against the tile with the other. An almost undetectable scraping sound whispered. “I think it moved. Help me.” The four women placed their hand against each corner. “Ready? Push.”

  Though awkward and unable to give it her full strength, Rell felt and heard the square move backward. “Again.”

  The four shoved a second time and the stone tile scooted back another inch and stopped. A louder grinding sounded to their right and a doorway, seven blocks high and four wide, slid open. They looked at each other, each smiling triumphantly.

  “Ravyn and Jade, guard the door while Rell and I check inside.”

  Even though Juna’s reason for allowing Rell to stay was probably because she’d discovered the tile, a sense of pride swelled within her, replacing some of the uneasiness she felt over her reaction to Nab and his companions. Without objection, Ravyn and Jade skirted the room and took up posts outside the door.


  Rell and Juna crept forward and peered into the dark interior of the large chamber.

  “I can’t see a thing.” Juna stepped back out and pulled a low-burning torch from the bracket, shoving it inside the opening. Firelight danced against the walls, illuminating the first several feet. “This is it.”

  They inched inside, Rell taking the rear position. Rusty brackets hung bolted into the walls and the faint outline of different weapons stained the stone. Long wooden tables sat empty, but the faint shapes in the dust indicated that even more weapons had once rested there.

  Rell ran her fingers over the silhouette of an axe that looked very much like the one Luc carried. “If there were weapons here, somebody has removed them.”

  “Not all of them.” Juna held the torch higher and moved forward.

  A small collection of daggers and swords lay in a heap on the ground. Rell bent and picked up a dirk. Its edge gleamed in the torchlight. She flinched when a tugging sensation pulled at her hand, causing her fingers to wrap around the hilt.

  Juna dragged her sword from her hilt and replaced it with one of the immortal weapons on the floor. Rell did the same, as well as shoving a dagger in each boot. Approximately ten weapons remained.

  “Pick up as many as you can carry.” Juna tossed the torch aside and began collecting the weapons. “We’ll dole them out to the rest of the party.”

  Rell stopped and looked at Juna. “I want to thank you for helping me this morning.”

  Juna halted her collection and slowly stood to face her. “You’re welcome, but thanks are unnecessary.”

  “I believe they are.” Bending, Rell picked up two more swords. “I was careless.”

  “The power I felt from you was not that of a Bringer.” In an unusual display, Juna placed a hand on her shoulder. “Maybe being a Bane has changed you somehow. I don’t understand it, but I know my own struggles with being part of the Trilation.” Her hand slid free. “We have no Masters to teach us about our abilities, so we do the best we can.”