by John Marco
“Damn it,” he yelled, whirling to glare at her. The stone she had thrown lay at his feet. “How dare you strike me!”
Breena’s face was furious. “I should hit you in the head next time, maybe knock some sense into you!”
“Pick up another stone and I will throttle you.”
“Go ahead,” taunted Breena. “That’s how you deal with everyone, isn’t it, Biagio? Have them killed?”
“Watch your tongue!”
“Why did you come here?” Breena asked. “Did you come to make me feel guilty for not helping you? Or to tell me you were leaving?”
“I am leaving,” bristled Biagio. “I simply came to give you the courtesy of an explanation—something you obviously don’t deserve.”
“Fine, then. Go,” said Breena. “Go and look for Vantran and his Triin. Go and fulfill your sick fantasy.”
“It’s not a fantasy. The Triin—”
“Do you really think Richius Vantran is going to help you? Do you really think the Triin will help you? God in heaven, if you think that, you must truly be mad.”
The insult made Biagio’s insides clench. “Do not call me that,” he said. “Ever.”
“But you are mad, don’t you see? How can you think this plan of yours will work? Richius Vantran isn’t going to help you. There are no Triin coming, my lord. There never were.” Breena gave him a pitying look. “I’m sorry, Lord Emperor. But you’re not well. You can’t be; not if you believe this fantasy.”
“Is that what you truly think? That I’m insane?”
The young woman nodded. “Yes, I do.”
For Biagio, her admission was heartbreaking. He closed his eyes, hating himself, realizing suddenly that all Breena’s smiles had been a lie. She thought he was insane—just like the rest of the wretched world.
“I am a fool,” he whispered. “I thought you had seen the change in me. I thought you believed. I am not insane, Lady Breena. I am free of the drug and all its effects. Stupidly, I had thought you part of my recovery.”
“My lord, I’m sorry …”
“You let me waste my time thinking Redburn was afraid. And all the while he simply thought me a madman.”
“He is afraid,” Breena insisted. “He doesn’t want war with Talistan. He wants peace.”
“But he doesn’t believe me,” jeered Biagio. “He doesn’t think my plan will work.”
“There are no Triin, my lord,” repeated Breena. “No one is coming to help you.”
Biagio knew he could do nothing to change her mind. Like so many of his subjects, she still remembered the man he had been, the rampaging Count of Crote, and no amount of arguing could persuade her otherwise. Suddenly he felt profoundly alone.
“You will get better blooms if you trim back the extra limbs,” he said.
“What?”
“Your roses,” said Biagio. “Those scraggly shoots steal water and sunlight from the better parts of the plant. Prune them back and you’ll do better.”
Breena smiled grimly. “So you’re going?”
“Yes,” said Biagio, “I am.”
Before Breena could argue, Biagio raised a silencing finger. He smiled, then turned and left the garden. As he walked off he could feel her stare on his back, almost sensing her pity. Biagio clenched his teeth. Pity was an emotion he detested.
Quickly he went back to the courtyard, scanning the field for Redburn. On the morrow he would leave Elkhorn Castle, but not before making one final appeal.
• • •
Prince Redburn tossed a coin to his stable boy, Kian, thanking him for his good work. His favorite latapi, the white elk called Racer, had been immaculately brushed and tacked for his afternoon ride, and Redburn was in a giving mood, anticipating the solitude of the hills. Breena was off gardening, Biagio was somewhere in the castle, and the bright sun beckoned to the prince, wooing him away from the crowded keep. Kian was an excellent hand and the latapi respected him. Someday he would run the stables.
The boy beamed at the unexpected coin. “Thank you, my lord. Will you be riding alone?”
“Oh, yes.”
“Are you gonna patrol the Silverknife?”
Redburn’s exuberance deflated. “Now why would you ask that?”
“No reason,” said Kian. “Just wondering.”
“Why? Are you worried?”
“No, sir,” said the boy, but Redburn knew he was lying. “I heard some of the older boys talking, that’s all.”
“Don’t believe everything you hear, Kian.” Redburn took Racer’s bridle and led him out of the stables. “There’s nothing to worry about.”
“Have a good ride, my lord.”
Redburn didn’t like the youngsters worrying. But he decided to ignore it, at least for the afternoon, and let the perfect day clear his head. He would ride to the latapi valley, he decided, and watch the calves with their mothers. Today, he would get away from the castle and all his responsibilities.
Racer stood very still as Redburn climbed into the saddle. The prince drew a breath, smelling the pine-scented air. He was about to ride off when he saw a figure hurrying toward him. Redburn’s mood curdled.
“Oh, no …”
Biagio was coming, his face determined. “Redburn, wait,” he called. “I want to talk to you.”
“Not now,” snapped the prince. “I’m busy.”
“This can’t wait.” Biagio raced up to him and took the elk’s bridle. “It’s important.”
Redburn rolled his eyes. “With you, everything is important. Now let go. I don’t have time for this.”
“Make time. I want to talk to you—now.”
“About Talistan.”
“That’s right.”
Redburn tugged the reins, making Racer swish his antlers. Alarmed, Biagio released the beast.
“We have nothing further to say to each other, Lord Emperor. I’ve heard all I care to about Talistan.”
He trotted away, but Biagio jogged up alongside him.
“Don’t dash off, Redburn,” called Biagio. “You’ll be rid of me in the morning, but I need to speak with you before I go.”
Redburn brought Racer to a halt. “Go?” he asked. “You’re leaving?”
“In the morning, yes. Unless I can convince you to change your mind.”
“Good-bye, then,” quipped Redburn. “And good luck.”
“Redburn, listen to me,” pleaded the emperor. “I am not insane.”
“I never said you were.”
“Yes, you did,” said Biagio. “When I first came here. But I thought I had convinced you otherwise. Now—before I go—I want one more chance. Listen to me, that’s all I’m asking. If I can’t convince you to help me, I’ll leave in the morning.”
“I’m going riding,” replied Redburn. “I’m sorry, Lord Emperor, but I’ve already listened to you. I’ve made up my mind.”
“But I’m not wrong! My plan will work!”
“Good day, Emperor,” said Redburn, once again flicking the reins and propelling his mount forward. The emperor called out after him.
“I’m coming with you!”
“No, you’re not!” replied Redburn hotly.
But Biagio was already racing toward the stable. Redburn cursed and sped his elk on, heading for the hills. With luck he would lose the emperor before Biagio could find a horse. But luck wasn’t with Redburn today, and soon he saw Biagio behind him, galloping in pursuit. Redburn’s growl became an angry bellow.
“Go away!”
Whether or not Biagio heard him didn’t matter. The emperor was speeding after him. Redburn hurried his latapi on, entering the hills and the winding, dirt roadway. Behind him he heard the thunder of Biagio’s approach, but Racer was a stouthearted beast and the latapi leapt forward with uncanny speed.
“I see you, Redburn!” came Biagio’s distant voice. “You can’t get away!”
“Then maybe you’ll break your fool neck,” shouted Redburn in reply. He kicked his heels into Racer’s flanks, prod
ding the beast on faster. Racer lowered his rack and plunged deeper into the hills, taking the path with surefooted swiftness. Redburn couldn’t help enjoying the chase. He looked behind him. Biagio was keeping pace with remarkable skill.
The prince laughed. “Come on, Biagio!” he taunted. “Show me what a man you are!”
They went over hills, skidded across shoals, then sped through a brook, sending spray up like a geyser, and still Biagio kept pace, tucking himself into a crouch and prodding his mount onward. Redburn flew along the path, sometimes leaving it entirely, but the emperor’s tenacity kept him hot on the latapi’s tail. Remarkably, he was even gaining ground. Beneath him, Redburn felt Racer begin to tire. Impressed and defeated, Redburn finally drew up the reins and ordered the beast to slow. Within moments, Biagio’s lathered horse galloped up alongside him.
“Ha!” crowed the emperor. “I told you I was coming with you!”
“You ride like a madman, Biagio,” said the prince. “I admit, I am impressed.”
“Are you?” Biagio asked. He was breathing hard but managed a smile. “Are you impressed enough to listen to me, then?”
“No.”
Once again Redburn trotted forward. As expected, Biagio stayed beside him.
“Where are we going, incidently?” the emperor asked.
“I’m going to the latapi valley.”
“Oh, yes. Breena told me about the valley. I had wanted to see it before I left. We can talk there without interruption.”
“How about this—you talk, and I’ll pretend to listen.” Biagio smiled. “What a wit you have. Let’s try this instead—I’ll explain why you should help me, and then you tell me why you’d rather have Talistan skin you and Breena alive. How does that sound?”
“Not very funny.”
“That’s because it’s not a joke, Redburn.”
The prince nodded sadly. “I know.”
“You don’t believe in me, do you?”
“No. Only a lunatic would believe that Vantran and the Triin are going to help you.”
“Redburn, it’s all part of a grand design. Vantran will help me because I can give him Aramoor. The Triin will help Vantran because he is like a god to them. Use your imagination. Think like a Roshann!”
“No, thank you. I’ve had my fill of spies and schemes.”
“But you know I’m right,” prodded Biagio. “You know that Talistan won’t leave you alone. Someday Tassis Gayle is going to invade. If he can’t provoke you into a war, he’ll just come in uninvited.”
The inescapable logic made Redburn cringe. “Then the best thing we can do is make ready,” he said. “We’ll watch our borders, and prepare to defend ourselves.”
“That won’t be enough.”
“Maybe not, but it’s better than your delusion.”
Biagio grunted. “I’d be better off arguing with a brick. But I’m not going to give up, not until I leave in the morning.”
Redburn knew he could do nothing but surrender. “All right. Since you’re determined to spoil my day, I’ll agree to your terms. I’ll listen to everything you have to say. But don’t expect any miracles.”
They rode along amid the hills, heading for the valley of the latapi. It was a long journey, made more so by Biagio’s detailing of his plan. “I have done unspeakable things,” he whispered. “In my rages, I have murdered and maimed. And it’s all blurry to me, like looking through a curtain. Sometimes I can’t even remember myself, or what I was thinking.”
“The rest of us remember,” said Redburn coldly.
“And that’s what I must overcome. Your memories. But you’re remembering a different man, Redburn. The old Biagio is gone. Those things I did, I could never do again. I remember once …”
Biagio stopped himself abruptly.
“What?” asked Redburn.
Biagio glanced away. “Nothing.”
“Tell me,” pressed the prince. “Believe me, nothing you say will surprise me.”
“There was a woman back on Crote. A girl, really,” began Biagio. “She was a slave of mine, a dancer. Her name was Eris.”
“You and a woman?” joked Redburn. “I’m intrigued.”
“It’s not what you’re thinking,” snapped Biagio. “We weren’t lovers. She was a great dancer, the finest I’ve ever seen. Maybe the finest in the Empire. She was a treasure and I adored her.” Biagio’s tone took on regret. “In a rage one day, I hurt her.”
“Hurt her? How?”
“I thought she had injured me. I was angry.”
“What did you do to her?”
Biagio hesitated before answering. He couldn’t even look at Redburn as he said, “I maimed her. I took a dagger to her foot so she couldn’t dance anymore.”
“God almighty! Why in the world would you do that?”
The emperor shrugged. “It’s hard to explain. I was jealous of her. I thought she had taken something dear to me. In my rage I wanted to take away the thing she loved most. Since she loved to dance, that’s what I took.”
Redburn was appalled. He stared at Biagio, knowing that this was the man he had always expected.
“Madness,” he whispered. “You see why I don’t trust you, why I can’t believe what you say?”
“But that was another me,” Biagio insisted. “I told you the story because I wanted you to know I’ve changed. I could never do something like that again.”
“God save you, Biagio. To butcher a girl like that …”
“What I did was cruel,” said Biagio. “But I’ve had to live with it since. I’ve had to live with all the blood on my hands, and it’s changed me, Redburn.”
“Yes,” said Redburn, studying the man. “You do want me to believe it, don’t you? You’re not the only one who can read people, Biagio. You want me to believe you’ve changed because you want it, and not just because you want my help against Talistan. I’ve seen it in you. You crave my approval like you used to crave that drug.”
“I do,” Biagio confessed. “I know I’ve changed, but I’m the only one in the world who believes it, and it angers me.”
Strangely, Biagio said no more. He merely rode silently alongside, falling into a contemplative fog as they drove deeper into the hills. They had been riding for over an hour and the sudden silence alerted Redburn. Soon they would enter the valley of the latapi. Redburn listened for the honking of the cows, but he heard nothing save for the gentle breeze. He prodded Biagio out of his stupor.
“Emperor, we’re almost there,” he said.
Biagio glanced around. “The valley?”
“Just up ahead. Now remember, this is a sacred place. No more arguing, all right?”
“Of course,” replied Biagio. “I’m no boor.” He straightened in his saddle, studying the path. The roadway dipped down precipitously and the trees thinned, partially revealing the valley. “It’s very quiet,” commented the emperor. “Is it always like this?”
“That’s why I come here. To get away from people like you.”
“A little company will do you good, Redburn. Don’t fret. I won’t interrupt your prayers.”
“I’m not going to pray. It’s just … oh, never mind.”
Redburn led Biagio toward the valley. But his annoyance with the emperor quickly turned to puzzlement as he noticed dozens of hoofprints in the earth. The farther they went, the more the roadway was churned up, littered with clods of earth. Redburn slowed his elk, studying the prints.
“Looks like someone’s been training horses here,” said Biagio. “I thought you said this was a sacred place.”
The prince could hardly speak. “It is.”
He looked at Biagio, then back at the roadway, then at the valley up ahead. No sounds. Nothing. Redburn’s pulse raced.
“No,” he groaned. “Oh, no …”
He sped his mount onward, hurrying toward the hidden valley.
“Redburn?” Biagio called. “What’s wrong?”
Redburn ignored him. He passed through a cloak of ever
greens and into the valley. A rolling plain greeted him, littered with bodies. Redburn stopped his elk, shocked by the sight.
For miles, all he saw was corpses. Gutted, bloated bodies of latapi lay in putrid heaps, some decapitated, others with their bellies sliced open, spilling blood and entrails. Maggots swarmed. Not a single latapi moved through the carnage, not even to raise a cry of pain. Barely newborn elk rested dead beside their slaughtered mothers while proud bulls lay fallen with arrows in their hides and great gashes through their torsos. A fetid stink blanketed the valley, borne to Redburn on the breeze. The prince put a hand over his mouth. Biagio reined in his horse.
“My God,” he exclaimed. “What the hell happened?”
Redburn couldn’t answer. Very slowly he slid down from Racer’s back, standing mutely in the valley, barely believing his eyes. There was nothing alive. All the latapi were mutilated. More of the telltale hoofprints riddled the field. Shaking in rage and grief, Redburn sank to his knees.
“Bloody butchers. Motherless sons of bitches …” He made two fists and shook them at the sky, screaming, “You’ll pay for this atrocity!”
“Redburn,” said Biagio, “this is Talistan’s doing.”
The Red Stag of the Highlands rose unsteadily to his feet. When he spoke, his voice was taut. “You will have your alliance, Biagio,” he said. “I will call together the other clan leaders, and we will make war on those Talistanian pigs. I’m going to chop off Tassis Gayle’s head, and make it a meal for ravens!”
FORTY
Elkhorn Castle had no throne room, just a grand hall that wasn’t very grand. Barely two weeks earlier, the hall had been filled with revellers, all celebrating the birthday of the royal twins. Today the hall was swelled with people once again, but there was no music, no lively dancing girls or children stealing sips of beer. Today, there was only business.
A table had been moved into the hall, a huge oval of polished ash that nearly touched the walls at its farthest ends. Around the table sat contingents from the Highland clans, wearing their colors and side arms, talking amongst themselves as they awaited their young host. The room was unbearably hot, made worse by the breathing of fifty bodyguards, for the three clan leaders had accepted Redburn’s invitation warily. And though they usually got along with each other, the news of the latapi massacre had made them edgy. Now, with their entourages of standing soldiers, the clan heads chatted nervously. It was past the appointed hour and Redburn was late. Biagio wondered what the prince was doing.
