“What’s it look like?” Leo asked warily.
He strongly suspected this wasn’t worth their time. However, he was intrigued despite himself. The metal was still shiny, which was why it was reflecting the light. It couldn’t have been buried for very long or it would have corroded.
Nick clicked his fingers. “Maybe it’s the probe,” he suggested hopefully. “That would be really useful, especially if it was intact.”
“It’s buried,” Don said dubiously. “If it landed that hard, it’s going to be in bits.”
Leo sighed and jumped to the ground, gratefully stretching after the last few hours of riding. “Five minutes, and not a moment more.”
Nick rubbed his hands together in anticipation, and reached into his pack for his shovel. Eagerly, he dropped to the ground and started digging around the shiny metal object. Leo reluctantly unclipped his pack to grab his shovel when Nick swore, stumbling back from his kneeling position to land on his behind.
His expression grimaced in horror. “Not the probe.”
Don peered down and raised an eyebrow. “No, just one dead knight. Weird place to bury him, and a waste of good armor.”
“Maybe it was temporary,” Leo murmured.
He frowned, looking at what little Nick had uncovered. There was something not quite right about it. Without comment, he took Nick’s shovel from his unresisting hand and dug carefully around the shiny silver gauntlet. It took only a minute to confirm his suspicion. They had seen this body before; it was the envoy that King Oswald claimed Queen Eleanor had sent back in pieces.
It made him think of Kaslea and Cyrus, of what little Mathis had told them of the world’s opinion on magic. He had heard the whispers from the Gatlan knights about Queen Eleanor’s magical powers. Those knights had promised to ‘take care of it,’ and he now knew what they had meant.
He had said at the time that it wasn’t superstition, it was paranoia. Perhaps they feared a curse. They were far enough away from the castle, and away from the road which they would travel. However, it was shortsighted and selfish, given the proximity to the farming field which would produce food that they or anyone else could eat.
His stomach turned at the thought of a decomposing body by the farming field, never mind a curse. Although he supposed that was the circle of life; it was just nobody liked to think about that. Plus, short of finding a remote spot inside the forest, on the forest’s edge was about the most removed spot the knights could have chosen.
It made sense. It was just disgusting, and the envoy deserved better from his comrades than an unmarked grave. Especially given how he had suffered in life, the torture he had clearly undergone while still alive. Then, his mutilated corpse had been returned, offering him no dignity in death. This was the final insult, and that it had come at the hands of his own people made it all the worse.
“We should move on,” Leo suggested soberly, wordlessly handing Nick back his shovel.
Don kicked at the loose earth next to the revealed body, and Nick dropped back to his knees, scraping the dirt over so at least the body was no longer exposed. It didn’t make any difference except aesthetically; it was still a shallow grave, and bodies needed to be at least six feet down before animals couldn’t detect the smell of the decomposition. However, it made all of them feel a little more comfortable.
By tomorrow afternoon, they would be back near the frontline. When they had made the previous trip, Leo had made note of the likely supply route. A few questions to the border villages and they would have an answer as to where to strike. This time, he wasn’t going to take any chances.
If King Oswald wasn’t impressed this time, it wouldn’t be because they held back.
*****
Meanwhile, in Kaslea, Eleanor transported her carriage to the outskirts of the capital Termont. It was far more polite than transporting directly inside, and she had packed a trunk to keep up appearances. While she didn’t have to accept Prince Edmund’s offer of hospitality, it was imperative that she did so for many reasons. She shivered lightly, and not from the cool air leaking in through the poorly sealed carriage door.
She didn’t control this castle, and her protection spells couldn’t be as layered or as strong due to the temporary residence. While someone was sleeping, they were at their most vulnerable, and she knew she would itch to leave and that it would be a constant mental battle to persuade herself to stay.
Prince Edmund had to believe she trusted him, and if she wasn’t present, then the Northern Kingdoms couldn’t appear to be targeting her and her delegation. A cadre of her knights should have arrived this morning. She had sent orders to the frontline for a group of eight to dispatch immediately to Termont.
With how many knights she had ordered away from the frontline recently, Gatlan would no doubt try and press their advantage. She sneered to herself. Let them try; it would be a temporary victory for them at best. While she didn’t know the full details of Yannick’s plan, he assured her that the strangers, these ‘marines,’ would win Sintiya the war.
Eleanor winced as the carriage bounced along the uneven dirt ground. It was no better as they pulled under the archway and into the city of Termont. Progress was slow as their path was often blocked by citizens. However, it could have been worse; for all Eleanor disliked her carriage, if she had been without magic, the journey would have taken many days.
They slowed to an almost complete stop upon reaching the market. Eleanor heard her driver shouting for people to clear the way, allowing them to edge forward, the carriage jolting with the stop and start as the horse strained each time to pull it along.
She scowled at the poor layout. A castle should be easily reached by important visitors. Forcing them to travel through areas frequented by peasants was intolerable. She hadn’t noticed it as much when she had been here for the recent ball; that had been at night and the streets had been empty. At least the fresh salt air from the nearby ocean erased any stench of the unwashed.
Finally, her carriage entered the castle courtyard and drew up outside the entrance. Eleanor frowned, seeing that Prince Edmund wasn’t there to greet her. Instead, his mother the dowager Queen Isabella was waiting by the doors.
Queen Isabella was short in stature, slightly on the plump side, and with short white hair in set curls. Her navy dress was perfectly suited for her diplomatic role as the dowager queen. When Eleanor stepped down from her carriage, Queen Isabella inclined her head in respect.
“Queen Eleanor, welcome to Kaslea. Lord Greenford of the Northern Kingdoms has already arrived. I trust you had an uneventful journey?” Queen Isabella checked amiably.
Queen Isabella tactfully made no mention of the magic that had enabled the trip. Eleanor didn’t know what Queen Isabella’s personal views on magic were, but magic could be such a divisive topic, it was always better to just ignore it. Queen Isabella gently guided Eleanor inside, leaving the carriage and her belongings for the footmen to deal with.
“They are in the library waiting for you,” Queen Isabella told her.
“Thank you,” Eleanor murmured, favoring the dowager queen with a rare smile.
Although for the game she was about to play, her smile was going to be a significantly less rare sight for the next few days. Queen Isabella tapped on the library door, and melted away, her diplomatic function ended for the moment. The footman standing next to the door opened it for Eleanor to walk through.
She saw Lord Greenford and Prince Edmund standing opposite. They were in front of two wing-backed chairs that were separated by the small table between them. The walls were lined with shelves, but unlike the last time she was here, Eleanor didn’t head for the books. She wanted to make a good impression, not show them her disdain.
Until now, Eleanor hadn’t been aware of precisely who the Northern Kingdoms had sent to represent them. Lord Theodore Greenford was one of the more senior members of the council; he had control of the third largest duchy. It was on the coast and contained a pivotal trading port.
It wasn’t quite as important as the capital Vakkanger, but probably the second largest city in the Northern Kingdoms alliance. He was tall and lean, a good head taller than Prince Edmund, and he had short salt-and-pepper hair. His sneering pale blue eyes looked at Eleanor with obvious judgment.
“Thank you for agreeing to host this summit, Prince Edmund.” Eleanor gave him a warm smile. “Sintiya will not forget this service.”
“Yes, the Northern Kingdoms appreciates it also,” Lord Greenford noted brusquely. “Especially given our existing relationship.”
Eleanor raised an eyebrow; Lord Greenford was playing right into her hands. Prince Edmund looked disturbed, which she had hoped to see but hadn’t expected. It would make things easier if Prince Edmund became uncomfortable with his supposed allies, even before she revealed their betrayal. The Northern Kingdoms’ assumption that he would rule in their favor, purely because of their alliance, could not have worked better for her. She decided to twist the knife a little, to make it as obvious as possible.
“I hope, Lord Greenford, you aren’t implying that Prince Edmund would rule in your favor just because of your existing relationship?” Eleanor drawled, raising a concerned looking eyebrow.
“Of course not,” Lord Greenford said, sounding affronted, but his gleaming eyes and the slight smirk said otherwise.
“Quarters have been arranged for both of your delegations,” Prince Edmund said awkwardly. “We could begin the summit this afternoon, giving you both a chance to settle in.”
“A wise suggestion,” Eleanor agreed quickly.
She managed to smile warmly again at Prince Edmund. A pleased blush dusted his cheeks and he bashfully ducked his head. Eleanor’s heart beat a little faster in anticipation; Prince Edmund was already playing into her hands, and the displeased scowl on Lord Greenford’s face was just icing on the cake.
“Until this afternoon,” Lord Greenford agreed sourly.
*****
With the diplomatic ‘peace’ talks about to start in Kaslea, Yannick knew that he would soon be busy causing mischief there. However, first he had business in Eleanor’s castle, something he could only deal with when she wasn’t there. While she was busy in Kaslea, this was the perfect time. From questioning Corporal Esteban, he had learned that Earth had no magic, and that had ended his interest in it.
For a short time, Yannick had entertained a dream of an empire larger than the Emperor’s, because the Emperor had only ruled this world. If Earth could fall to him as well, then he would finally shake off the last of his shackles from the slavery, and become greater than his one-time master. However, without magic, Earth was useless, and he hadn’t given it a second thought.
That was until he had been reminded of the ‘legend of the light in the darkness,’ the transport platform that the marines were seeking to return them home. He didn’t know where it was located, and he didn’t care to look, because it was unnecessary, but its very existence raised questions.
If the Emperor had created this world, then he must surely have created the transport platform that linked this world with Earth. Yannick couldn’t understand what the Emperor would have wanted with a magicless world, but perhaps Earth had more to offer, even without magic, than he had first considered.
He could track down members of the marine unit, as he had with Corporal Esteban, even with their dwindling numbers. However, it was far easier just to transport himself into Eleanor’s dungeons and question the marine she had captive—Staff Sergeant Max Ortiz.
Just as he had for Lord Akzal, Yannick enhanced the flash of his purple flame to make the transport look more impressive. However, Ortiz didn’t even blink, or speak; the only reaction he gave was a slight twitch of his eyebrow.
Yannick scowled in disappointment, and his scowl deepened when he saw how well Ortiz was being treated. He looked clean and well fed. He’d even been provided with blankets. It was pitiful, and Yannick didn’t understand why Eleanor was being so soft on him.
“I am Yannick,” Yannick said, offering Ortiz a mocking bow. “Tell me of Earth.”
“Well, I think most of it is water,” Ortiz started, speaking slowly as if he were talking to an imbecile. Yannick felt his anger grow. “There are seven main lands; we call them continents.”
“Enough!” Yannick boomed, his eyes flashing. “You are correct, I should be more specific in my questioning, but do not dare speak to me like a fool.”
“Actually, I think I was saying you were the fool,” Ortiz pointed out. He shrugged and gave a self-deprecating smile. “My mistake.”
“What does Earth have of value?” Yannick demanded. “Your weapons…they are certainly interesting. No match for magic, but I can see they have value. Do you have weapons of more power? What about treasures?”
“Well, there’s the seven wonders of the world.” Ortiz tapped his chin, rubbing the stubble that had built up over the last couple of weeks. “They aren’t exactly suitcase size, though.”
Yannick felt his blood boil. He knew when he was being mocked; this Staff Sergeant Ortiz needed to learn precisely who he was dealing with. Yannick formed a ball of power in his hand and threw it at Ortiz. It hit him in the chest and Ortiz started convulsing, shards of lightning crisscrossing his body.
It lasted for just a few seconds before Yannick gestured sharply and stopped the torture. Another sharp gesture and Ortiz was healed of any damage, though his muscles would no doubt ache for days. Yannick yearned to kill him, but it would be hard to explain to Eleanor, and Ortiz wasn’t worth upsetting her over.
“You’re not worth it,” Yannick spat, disappearing in a flash of flame.
He reappeared on his island, off the coast of Sintiya. It was cloaked in enough magic that he doubted anyone remembered it was even here. Yannick knelt down and pressed his hand against the sandy earth. Locating a free member of the marine unit would take some time.
Chapter Ten
The sun was starting to sink towards the horizon by the time Yannick got a location. He stood and stretched, his muscles stiff from not moving for hours, and then transported himself close to where the marines were making camp. There were two of them together, two people not of this world, which was why he could pick them out from all the natives of the various kingdoms.
Although it appeared he would have to correct his previous assessment. He had thought that the unknown regions couldn’t support life, yet that was where the two marines were making camp. Yannick’s brow furrowed in thought. The marines had landed in this world over three weeks ago. That they had survived in this cursed land was impressive, but the real question was why they hadn’t made it to one of the kingdoms to the north or the south.
He longed to take the direct approach, and inflict the damage on these men that he couldn’t on Ortiz. However, these marines were remarkably stubborn and resilient, and while torture was extremely satisfying, it wasn’t the most reliable of interrogation methods. Yannick waved his hand, purple flame licking over his form as he implemented a magical disguise.
The disguise would make him appear to be a peasant, one who was injured and had become separated from his group. It would earn their sympathy and their trust, a most efficient move. Hobbling, dragging his right leg, Yannick stumbled towards the flickering firelight. The sun hadn’t yet set, but the marines had obviously made camp some time ago. Perhaps they hadn’t been travelling today.
“Hello,” Yannick called out, making his tone sound pained and hesitant.
There was the faint rustle of movement. The marines were hidden from Yannick’s immediate sight by a large grouping of rocks and some desert scrub. He supposed if they were going to survive anywhere in this cursed land, then here wasn’t a bad spot. It was right at the edge on the western side, close to the great scar in the land which separated this part from Gatlan.
They could probably see the greener land of Gatlan from here, but it was on the other side of the gorge, out of reach—so near and yet so far. Suddenly, the marine a
ppeared, pointing his weapon directly at Yannick. Yannick felt like sneering in contempt; the weapons had power, but they were no match for his magic. But to complete the illusion, Yannick stumbled backwards and pasted on a look of fear. No doubt the marines would be used to that reaction and it would give them the feeling of power, and control, which would make it easier to earn their trust.
“Please…I’m sorry,” Yannick wailed.
Warily, the marine lowered his weapon. “Hi there. Excuse the paranoia, but you are the first person we’ve seen in weeks. Where did you come from?”
“From the north.” Yannick pointed, making his hand shake. “Trading party, but there was an accident and now I’m alone. I saw the fire; I thought you were my friends. I’ve never seen anyone else out here.” He winced, dragging his foot obviously.
The marine frowned and his expression softened. “Come, you are welcome in our camp.”
“Thank you, thank you for your kindness,” Yannick murmured, bowing slightly.
He limped towards the marine, who stepped back, his hands tightening on his weapon, clearly still wary of Yannick. The marine’s frame was tense, the distrust practically radiating from him. Yannick scowled inwardly. The caution these men displayed was to be expected, but it was still irritating. He had been invited to sit by their fire, but that was all he appeared to have gained from his deception.
The moment Yannick rounded the rocks, he caught sight of the other marine. His weapon was in his hands, and his eyes were focused, but he was immobile, propped up against another rock with his right leg splinted. He looked pale and tired, like he was recovering from a bout of sickness.
“What happened?” Yannick asked, affecting concern, gesturing towards the wounded marine’s leg.
The wounded marine’s lips curled into a faint smile, and Yannick heard the first marine chuckle, as if they were sharing a private joke.
“Rough landing,” the wounded marine said with a crooked grin after a moment. “I’m Medic O’Flynn, that’s Gunnery Sergeant Rizzo. Here, take a seat.” O’Flynn patted the ground next to him. “And I’ll take a look at that ankle.”
Justified (#2 Divided Destiny) Page 10
