by Kara Jaynes
“Get inside,” Silvan said, opening the front door for us. Taloos entered and I followed, my breath catching in a squeak when Silvan’s fingers pressed against my lower back, nudging me inside. My face burned at his amused laugh, and then he was gone.
I heaved a deep breath, trying to pick up my scattered thoughts.
Silvan. Silvan. Silvan. He was all I could think about, all I could see. My world. My sun. My light.
Forbidden light. My heart clenched. I missed him.
“You still in there?” Taloos tapped my head with a knuckle.
I pushed his hand away. “Let’s get this over with,” I muttered. I was tired, the realization of it wrapping about me like a heavy cloak.
I didn’t have any desire to meet Dubauer again, but when the door closed behind us, it muffled most of the crowd’s roar. We continued down the same passageways to meet Dubauer, Taloos’s steps quick. He was ready to claim his reward.
11
Glacia
It was as if Dubauer hadn’t moved. The man was still lounging in his chair, still up to his elbows in chicken grease and wine. It sickened me. This man lived in sloth while children lived with rats and went hungry in the streets.
“I’ve done as you asked.” Taloos stepped over to the man. “I’m ready to receive payment, as promised.”
Dubauer snorted, eyeing the beast tamer blearily. My nose wrinkled, and I took an involuntary step back. The man had drunk far too much wine.
“Reward, you say?” the city ruler said. He scratched his nose with a plump finger. “Did I say that?”
Taloos nodded, but his stance shifted. He knew something was wrong.
“I will pay you, right after you rid us of the cursed mage, Elymas,” Dubauer said, standing to reach for a platter of heavily buttered toast. “The blasted fiend lives on the east side of the city. It should be simple enough, for a man of your abilities.”
Taloos jerked his head back in surprise. “What? A mage? That wasn’t part of our agreement, Lord Dubauer.”
“Come now,” the older man said, sitting back down with a thump. He bit into the toast, spraying crumbs everywhere. “You literally emptied Stagfort of rats, in less than a day. Don’t sell yourself short.”
“You’re selling me short,” Taloos growled.
Lord Dubauer shrugged. “Do you think the rats will stay away while we’re under the thumb of Elymas? I think not. Who do you think sent the rats in the first place, boy?”
My ears perked up at this question. I had already suspected that the rats weren’t here through natural means, and I was curious to learn more.
“Rats are always in cities,” Taloos muttered, scuffing the toe of one boot across the floor. “Except for this one now, because of me. And they will stay away.”
“Elymas cursed Stagfort,” Dubauer growled. “They are—were, a reminder to not get out of line. That or to scare the people silly. Maybe both. If he can wrap us in endless fog and plague us with rats, what else can he do?”
“Why would he do that?” I asked.
Lord Dubauer sneered. “Money. He did some work for me a while back, and after the job demanded a price I couldn’t pay, after we had already agreed on a lower price.” He shrugged. “I understand the reasoning. Who doesn’t want more silver?” His expression soured further. “But his dishonesty will be our ruin. We can’t possibly pay what he’s demanding. But at least he hasn’t killed us. Yet. Perhaps he can’t, and this is the extent of his magic.” He narrowed his eyes. “Perhaps you are not as powerful as you seem.” He leaned back in his chair. “Elymas will be none too pleased when he’s learned of what you did. It’s in your best interest to dispose of him. Get rid of the mage, and I will pay you the four hundred silver, plus two hundred more.”
Taloos spluttered with indignation, but I could hear the doubt in his blustering. Taloos didn’t wield enchantment. Well, he did, but not like a traditional mage with spells.
He needed some backup. I stepped forward. “Don’t anger the piper,” I said, trying to impersonate my mother’s icy tone. “You can’t even begin to fathom the full extent of his power.”
Taloos quickly masked his shock at my words, tilting his chin in a show of arrogance.
“With all due respect, Dubauer—” I didn’t use his honorary title. I was a princess. I didn’t use honorary titles on fools who didn’t deserve them. “—I wouldn't go back on your word. This mage, Elymas, has you by the scruff of your neck. You’re a rat in a terrier’s bite. It’s more than apparent by the state of your streets, and the mood of your people. Taloos may be your only help. If you anger him and he leaves—” I arched a brow “—who will help you? Your guards won't. If they had the power to stop Elymas, then they would have, already. No, I think you shall be helpless, and at the mercy of this mage.”
Taloos gazed at me, his pretend pride replaced by an emotion I couldn’t read.
Lord Dubauer stared at me, his eyes bulging and his mouth hanging slack. “What do you propose I do?”
I blinked, and doubt crept into my heart. I didn’t know. I didn’t know what to do. What should I do? What should Taloos do?
I swallowed, as my mind frantically tried to come up with a plan. “Well . . . start by paying Taloos, as promised. As you already know, Taloos is a powerful beast tamer . . . I suspect his abilities will prove invaluable in protecting the city, and helping to dispose of the mage.”
Taloos looked confused, but wisely kept his mouth shut.
“And if anyone can deal with Elymas, I suspect it’s Silvan.” I inspected my nails, hoping I gave an air of dismissive confidence. “He’s just recently been hired at the city guard. You won’t find a better fighter—or mage—in the city.”
Lord Dubauer was watching me; a dark eyebrow raised skeptically. “The silver haired boy that the maids keep talking about.”
My stomach curdled. Why was Dubauer listening to the gossip of maids? I decided that was a line of thought I wasn’t going to go down. “Yes. His silver hair is an outward manifestation of the immense power inside of him.” I think.
The man’s pudgy, unshaven face still showed skepticism. I might have surprised him with my boldness initially, but that had worn off, it seemed. His face stretched into a sardonic smile when he glanced back at Taloos. “Need a proper mage to bail you out? Not powerful enough to get rid of the mage yourself, eh?”
Taloos’s face flushed scarlet. “I reckon I could,” he growled.
“I don't think that's necessary,” I began, but Taloos shook his head.
“I reckon I could,” he repeated, louder, this time. “But I want half of the payment now, Dubauer.” Taloos stared the man square in the eye. “And I'll claim the other half after I've dealt with him.”
I scowled at Taloos. He was making a mess of things. I knew he was clever and brave, but sometimes his brave turned to foolhardy. I would have to try and talk to Silvan.
Another thought came to me. “Why haven't your guards dealt with him?” I asked.
Dubauer’s face twisted into a snarl. “Because they can't. He's cursed the streets with more than fog. They can't even find him and his blasted mansion, even though they walked the city a hundred times.” His glower deepened. “Black magic,” he muttered. “It must be.”
Taloos and I exchanged worried looks.
“And what about yourself, oh, wise one?” Dubauer asked with a wry grin, eyeing me.
I didn’t look away, my mouth twisting into a bitter grimace. “I plan to stay out of trouble. I don’t have special abilities like Silvan or Taloos.”
I already knew what Silvan would say if he’d been here. That I was wrong. That my magic was immense and powerful. That I could do anything. That my potential was unlimited.
He was wrong. I couldn’t do anything. My magic refused to wake, even after weeks and weeks of practice.
“Hmm.” Lord Dubauer’s eyes narrowed as he looked at me, as if he wasn’t sure if he believed my words. “Very well,” he said. “But I’m not payin
g more than the six hundred silver. You’ll have to split it.”
“Deal,” I said quickly, ignoring the withering look Taloos gave me.
“I'll pay you a third,” Dubauer said, “and the remaining portions after Elymas is dealt with. And see if you can deal with this blasted fog.” Lord Dubauer reached for his goblet of wine. “I initially thought it was just coming off the river, but it’s hung around too long to be anything but unnatural.” His voice dropped to a mutter. “Hang that cursed mage.”
“This Elymas that everyone keeps talking about,” I said. “How long has he lived here?”
“Too long.” Lord Dubauer drained his cup. “He was born and raised here, actually.”
Strange. And strange that Elymas hadn't killed Dubauer already, if the fog was any indication of his power.
“Just remember, a deal is a deal,” I said. “For real, this time.”
“Deal.” Lord Dubauer yawned, his arms out to either side of his bulk. “I just don’t want him to curse us further, with acid rain or changeling children. He’s taken some of our people as it is, and no one has seen them since. And now, I must bid you farewell. It’s getting late.”
“Put the deal in writing,” I said suddenly. “It needs to be a binding contract.”
Lord Dubauer glared at me. “My word is enough, girl.”
I arched an eyebrow, pretending I was my mother again. “With all due respect, if it was enough, you would have already paid Taloos what you said you would.”
Lord Dubauer’s lips puckered as if he’d bit into a sour plum, but he called for one of his servants to bring him paper, ink, and gold.
“You’re impudent rascals, both of you,” Lord Dubauer grumbled, as he scribbled on the scroll. “If I weren’t at my wit’s end with this mage, I’d throw you out of Stagfort.”
Taloos’s gaze turned icy, but Dubauer pretended not to notice. He shoved the paper and pouch of gold at the beast tamer, and gestured toward the door. “Get out.”
Outside, it was raining again, and the crowd was gone. No one was in sight, not even a guard.
Taloos and I exchanged glances.
“Why do I have the feeling that the two of us are in over our heads?” I asked, my voice small.
“Because we are,” Taloos growled. “And what did you mean, earlier?” he asked. “How am I supposed to protect the city?”
I frowned at him, surprised he hadn’t figured it out. “You’re a beast tamer. If you ask, animals will protect the city. You know, bears, wolves, that sort of thing. Maybe?” I laughed darkly. “Course if the danger is on the inside of the city, that will hardly help. We'd need them inside, which probably won't help much.”
“Oh, yeah.” Taloos’s expression cleared. “It’s still a good idea. I’ll keep that in mind. But really,” he kicked a pebble, “what have we gotten ourselves into?” His voice was glum.
“Silvan can help us out,” I said, walking toward the barracks. “I'm sure he'll be willing to help.”
“Stop.”
I paused, turning my head to peer at Taloos.
“Don't tell Silvan.”
“Whyever not?” I asked.
“You heard Dubauer,” Taloos spat. “A beast tamer worth his salt will be able to out Elymas. I don't want Silvan's help. Not unless I don't have a choice.”
I tilted my head. “I think you'll have a much higher chance of defeating him if—”
“I don't care,” Taloos interrupted. He began striding away.
A grumble of frustration built in my throat, but I followed him anyway. “Is there something wrong with your head?” I hissed. “You can't take out a mage, Taloos.”
“Technically, I'm a mage, too,” Taloos said. His face was flushed, his eyes bright. “Everyone thinks I’m a hero, Glacia. I finally matter. If Silvan comes swooping in and takes out Elymas, then I’ll be nothing again.” His jaw clenched. “I am tired of being nothing.”
I flinched. He was right. Silvan was so unbelievably amazing. He could do anything. He was smart and incredibly powerful. I understood Taloos’s worry.
But did Taloos have the strength to war against an opponent we knew almost nothing about?
“I can’t let you get yourself killed,” I muttered.
“Well, maybe you’re fine with sitting around, letting Silvan do everything for you,” Taloos spat, “but I’m not. I’m doing this on my own. I don’t want your help, either.” He strode away, leaving me standing there, staring at his retreating back.
He was right. I had let Silvan do everything for me. He’d saved me from isolation as a child; he’d saved me from the demons. He’d saved me from the dragon. He hunted for me, watched over me, and even now, he was working for me. He did everything for me.
It felt right, but it also felt terribly wrong. What had I done for Silvan?
Nothing. I’d done nothing.
So, I didn’t go to him—but I didn’t follow Taloos, either. I marched toward the library, my mood dipping with every step. I had to wake my enchantment. Then I could step in and help everyone with this stupid mess, instead of being wretchedly useless.
12
Silvan
The doors closed behind Glacia. She and Taloos would be talking to Lord Dubauer now. Hopefully collecting some sort of reward.
Somehow, Taloos had managed to purge the city completely of rats during my hours of training.
“He’s the city’s savior!” someone shouted.
“Lord Taloos!” another yelled.
“String up useless Dubauer!”
“This won’t end well,” Bleke muttered, his face grim as we scanned the throng. Everyone was shouting. Some of the screams were praises for the beast tamer; others were demands to hang Elymas or oust Lord Dubauer.
“Bleke!” Ehric pushed his way through the crowd, his bearded face etched in a scowl. “Break up the crowd. We need to empty the streets before the piper comes out. He’ll get torn to pieces from adoring well-wishers.”
Bleke swung his spear above his head in a dramatic whirl. “Everybody clear!” he roared. “Go about your business.”
Several other guards stood on either side of him, weapons drawn.
“Get out of here!” A man standing on a rooftop threw a rock, striking one of the guards in the head. He went down. I couldn’t remember the guard’s name, but I’d sparred with him earlier.
Another guard standing beside me nocked an arrow to his bow, drawing the string back.
“Don’t shoot,” I hissed, reaching out to halt him.
He released the arrow, the missile slamming into the man’s shoulder. He tumbled from the roof with a shriek.
“They want us dead!” someone bellowed. “Down with Dubauer! We need to give the city to Elymas!”
“For the piper!”
“Save Stagfort!”
The crowd surged forward, grappling with the guards.
If it wasn’t stopped now, it was going to be a bloodbath.
I stepped forward, and paused, my gaze latching onto the sky.
The fog was thickening. Growing darker and blacker, it began to billow toward us, swathing the streets in complete darkness.
I inhaled sharply. Evil was in that cloud.
“Dubauer, save us!” a woman’s voice wailed.
“The piper will help,” someone shouted.
Ignoring the guards and the crowd, I sprinted forward, gathering my strength. I banished any fatigue I felt. There was no time for weakness.
Gathering wind and pure energy, I pushed people away from me as I struggled my way toward the approaching darkness. If the city were covered in this, the people would go insane.
The evil whipping about me in the darkened fog felt all too familiar. I summoned my ability, light gathering on my fingertips. “Get away,” I hissed. The demons weren’t here, not really here, but I felt an echo of their presence in the mist.
How had they come? They were far, far across the sea. They couldn’t fly. Not like me.
The fog jerked away
from the light like a living entity. Whispers floated about me.
You let them die. Die. Die.
I clutched my head, my breath ragged as images of my brothers, crushed, burned, and broken, flashed in my mind. No. I gasped, my vision clearing. No.
You abandoned them for her. Her.
But she is mine. Ours.
Give us the girl.
I knew who the voices meant. Summoning every scrap of ability in me, I unleashed the light, burning the fog away. Pain sliced through me. “She’s mine!” I shrieked, but I couldn’t hear myself in the roar of agony.
The blackness of the fog burned away, replaced by the gray mist.
What had just happened?
Exhaustion rushed through me. I swayed on my feet, and glared at the now silent crowd, all gazes on me. “Go to your homes immediately,” I said, my voice cold. “The beast tamer and I will deal with this . . . shortly.”
The crowd began to disperse. “But the piper . . .” a man’s voice.
“Go.” My voice didn’t change, but the people began to scurry away, glancing over their shoulders at me.
I had been the one to repel whatever freakish thing just happened, but the people were afraid of me.
I didn’t remember blacking out, but when I became aware of my surroundings again, I was being carried.
“Put me down,” I mumbled. “I can walk.”
“Of course you can,” said a soothing voice, but the arms didn’t release me, carrying me through the gate and into the barracks.
“Bleke, put me down,” I growled. My legs didn’t seem to work, and my head ached.
“I will, soon,” Bleke’s voice said. “Soon.”
I frowned, and realized my eyes were closed. I tried to open them, and quickly shut them again. “Ow.” It was bright. The light of torches.
Footsteps sounded on wooden planks. “Are we in the barracks?” I mumbled.
“Shhh.” Someone laid me down, and exhaustion took me.
Nothing.
Careful, little dragon. You expend too much. Don’t give more than you are capable of.
I sat in a field of the greenest grass I’d ever seen. The air was soft and warm. I could just detect the faintest scent of honey. Butterflies flitted about, and birdsong filled the air. The field was surrounded by a forest.
