The Silent Pact

by Genevieve Dickinson

  The tailor found some shoes to match the dress and spent a few minutes brushing out and braiding Autumn’s long, red hair. Finally, she stood up and looked the girl over. She nodded approvingly. “Now there’s a lovely young lady! Wait here, I’ll go fetch the Commander.”

  Commander Kasrian entered a moment later and smiled when he saw Autumn. She smiled back and gave a curtsy. She looked down at her new clothes, then looked up again to Kasrian for approval. He nodded approvingly. “Well, don’t you look beautiful! It’s hard to believe you haven’t lived in the castle your whole life.” Autumn smiled and swished her skirt around happily.

  The Commander held out a hand. “Alright, Autumn, time to start your first day of work. Are you nervous?” Autumn shook her head and stepped forward to take the Commander’s hand. She stumbled slightly in the new shoes, then recovered and stood up carefully. As she walked out of the studio, she waved a cheerful goodbye to the tailor, who had just returned with an armful of fabric.

  The palace was bustling with activity, servants rushing around cleaning and carrying supplies or food. Autumn watched everything with bewilderment. Everyone seemed so sure of themselves and where they were going. There’s so much here! I wonder if I’ll ever know my way around like they do.

  Finally, they were back to the kitchen, where a large old woman was working. Autumn watched her for a moment, impressed by the way her hands seemed to move entirely independently of each other – one stirring a pot of gravy, one rhythmically chopping vegetables. Every few seconds, the rhythm would stop as she stepped back from the stove to check the fire. The smell of roasting meat hit Autumn’s nostrils, and she smiled as she remembered that she would eat today.

  Kasrian broke into a smile as he watched the old woman work. “Hello, Harriet! I brought you some help!”

  The woman turned to the door, her rhythm momentarily broken. “Ah, Kasrian, you scoundrel, I knew you’d come through for me!” Harriet gave the Commander an affectionate hug, then looked to Autumn. “Is this her?”

  Kasrian nodded. “Harriet, this is Autumn. Autumn, Harriet has been running the castle kitchens for as long as I can remember. She’s a good egg, and she’ll take good care of you.”

  Autumn smiled and reached out to shake Harriet’s hand. Harriet took it and smiled. “Well, you have a fine grip! Let’s get you started – over on the stove there’s a pot of gravy, I need you to stir it slowly and don’t stop ‘til I tell you. Off you go!” Autumn nodded happily and rushed over to the stove, where the little girl realized she was too short to reach the pot. Thinking carefully, she looked around, finally finding a small stool the right height for her to stand on. She set it up in front of the stove, then climbed up on it. Finally tall enough, she began stirring the gravy with the whisk the old cook had left in the pot.

  Harriet and Kasrian watched her approvingly. “She does seem quite clever,” Harriet said. “You said she was on the street when you found her?”

  Kasrian nodded. “Yes, ma’am. She saved Lyall when he ran off last night. Poor thing can’t speak a word, but you can tell she’s got a lot going on in her mind. Aldwin’s talking to the prince’s tutor about teaching her to read and write. Can you make sure she has time for lessons?”

  “Of course.” She looked up at the Commander, who was still watching Autumn work. “You know, I’ve never seen you like this before. Thinking of changing your mind about the whole family thing?”

  Kasrian laughed. “Harriet, you know me better than that.” He ran a hand through his hair thoughtfully. “It’s just this girl. She’s had to grow up so fast, you can see it in her eyes. I don’t know what’s happened to her, but . . .” his voice drifted off, and he sighed. “I just want her to be able to be a kid for a while. Don’t work her too hard, okay? And make sure she has fun.”

  Harriet gave a knowing smile and nodded. “I’ll do what I can. Now you get to your brother and remind him that I need more help keep this place running!” She gave him a playful shove and went to look over Autumn’s shoulder as she stirred the gravy.

  Over the next few hours, Autumn learned a lot about working in the kitchens. Harriet was pleased with how quickly the girl picked everything up. Her last batch of kitchen servants had been twice as old and not half as smart. Autumn was now carefully peeling carrots for Harriet to chop. The cook was pleased to notice that she hadn’t cut her fingers once. After a few carrots were chopped, Harriet taught her how to stir them into the stew so that she wouldn’t splash herself with the hot water. Autumn inhaled the smell of the stew contentedly, and Harriet suddenly realized something.

  “Autumn,” she said thoughtfully, “when was the last time you had a decent meal?”

  Autumn thought for a moment, then shrugged her shoulders. She hadn’t really thought about it with all the excitement, but she was starting to get quite hungry. Harriet sighed. “That Kasrian. He’s so concerned with the big picture that he forgets the little things. Tell you what, let’s finish off these carrots, then we’ll have a break for lunch.”

  Autumn nodded happily and went back to peeling. About half an hour passed, and the carrots were finally all in the stew. Harriet brought the girl a thick slice of salted ham between two biscuits, then watched as she enjoyed it. The expression on Autumn’s face was one of pure joy. Harriet smiled. “Well, now, that’s a bit better.” The old woman nibbled at her own lunch while she watched the girl eat.

  Kasrian was right about one thing, Harriet thought. This girl has grown up far too fast. Autumn ate slowly, making the food last as long as possible. It was the kind of habit trained by a lifetime of not knowing where your next meal was coming from. The old cook sighed. This little girl’s life will never be easy. At the very least it probably can’t get worse than what she’s already been through.

  Autumn finished her lunch and took the plate to the sink. She set it on the stack of dishes to be cleaned, then looked up to Harriet. The cook nodded approvingly. “You’ll do, little one. Come along, let’s get the bread started.”

  

  Evening finally came, and dinner was ready. Harriet and Autumn loaded up a cart with bowls, a large serving dish with the stew, and three loaves of sliced bread. “The King is in his study with a few others tonight, so we’re taking dinner to them. That’s one thing you learn fast being around these important types – they forget to eat if you don’t remind them.” Autumn grinned and began pushing the heavy cart down the halls toward the King’s chambers.

  They reached the King’s study to see four people gathered around a large map, moving pins around as they talked in hushed tones. Autumn smiled as she saw Commander Kasrian, and looked to the man at his side. That’s King Aldwin, she realized. I recognize him from his portraits. He looks a lot older than I thought he would. She followed Harriet’s lead, ladling a helping of stew out into a bowl and placing a piece of bread on the side. She carried the bowl carefully over to Kasrian, who was standing on the far side of the room. Something caught her eye.

  No. Not here. Why is that here?

  Her heart lurched as she saw a silver pendant hanging from the wall, surrounded by notes and sketches of black-robed figures. She knew that symbol well. After all, it was carved on her chest. She stood, staring at the amulet in horror until a tap on her shoulder startled her and she dropped the bowl of stew she’d been carrying.

  Harriet sighed. “I’ll get a mop.” She lingered by the door, looking concerned. Kasrian’s hand was on Autumn’s shoulder, and he was following her gaze towards the amulet.

  He turned to her, his expression serious. “Autumn, have you seen that before?” She nodded, shaking like a leaf. Yes, I’ve seen it before, and I wish I never had to see it again. Kasrian knelt down. “It’s okay, you’re safe here, I promise. Is there any way you can tell us where you’ve seen it?”

  Autumn looked him in the eye, then stepped back a pace. Feeling the eyes in the room watching her, she unbuckled the shoulders of her dress and pulled open the shirt underneath. There was a collective ga
sp as she revealed the scars on her chest, which matched the symbol on the amulet.

  “Gods be merciful,” a man in fine garments said. “Who did this to you, child?”

  Still trembling, she pointed to a drawing of a black-robed cultist. Kasrian nodded. “That’s why you followed the prince down the alley. You recognized those people.” Autumn nodded back, still staring at the amulet with terror in her eyes. Kasrian shook his head in disbelief. “You must have been terrified. You knew who they were, and you still went to help him. You must be the bravest person I’ve ever met.” Autumn wasn’t listening anymore, she was still staring at the drawings, trying to work out why they were there.

  “Kasrian,” the King said quietly, “is this the young lady who saved my son?” When the Commander nodded, the King went to her side and knelt down to meet her eyes. “We haven’t met yet, Autumn. I’m Aldwin, Lyall’s father. Thank you for saving my son.” He smiled kindly as the young girl turned to face him. “We’re trying to find these people, but we know almost nothing about them. It looks like you might know a lot more than we do. Will you help us find them and stop them?”

  Autumn gazed at the King with determination filling her eyes. She gave a short nod, then focused for a moment on fixing her dress.

  “Well, this is a lucky break.” The fourth person, a short woman in armor, looked incredulously at the little girl. “Sweetheart, what can you tell us about what happened to you?”

  Autumn blushed, and Aldwin looked up at the woman. “No chance of that, I’m afraid. Little Autumn here is mute, and she doesn’t yet know how to read or write.”

  “That’s true, but she’s one hell of an artist,” Kasrian said, an idea forming in his mind. He picked up a few sheets of paper and some pencils from the side of the room. “Autumn, I’m going to ask you do something that may be very difficult for you. I want you to draw what happened to you. Put in as much detail as you can, especially about these cultists. Take as long as you need, anything you can remember may help us.”

  Autumn nodded to the Commander and took the paper and pencil. She looked around for a moment and found a clear space at the table to sit, then sat down and began drawing more intently than she ever had before.

  Harriet returned with a mop, and Kasrian explained the situation to her. “I hope you don’t mind, Harriet,” he said apologetically. “We’ll have to borrow your helper for a bit.”

  Harriet looked concerned as Autumn drew feverishly. Tears welled up in her eyes as she realized that the little girl’s life had been harder than she could ever have imagined. She nodded to Kasrian. “Of course. Just make sure she gets to bed at a decent hour. Poor dear has been through.”

  It took several hours for Autumn to finish her drawings. She’d drawn out the whole story, from the bandits taking her from her cabin, to the abandoned slaver’s camp, to the temple deep in the mountains. She left out the part about the bright light, leaving the details of her escape vague. They’d never believe it even if I told them. Besides, it’s not important. They need to stop this cult, not figure out what that white light means. I can worry about that later.

  The assembled group looked at the drawings incredulously. “These are incredible.” The armored woman – who the King had now introduced as Captain Nilene Drannell of the Stone Shields – was looking over the drawings. “Dear Gods, to go through all this so young . . . I don’t know that I would have survived.” She looked over to Autumn, impressed. “I don’t know if you have plans already, but if you want a spot with the Stone Shields when you’re older, you just say the word. You’re tougher than half my squad.” Autumn was exhausted, but she still smiled at the compliment.

  Kasrian was looking at the images of the sacrifice in the Temple. “Well, now we know what happened to all the missing children. I wish we had better news, but at least we can give the families some closure.” He looked at the picture of the abandoned camp. “This is definitely the Slaver’s camp. The raid to take it out was about four years ago. Is that when all this happened, Autumn?” Autumn nodded. “Nilene, do you remember where it was?”

  Nilene nodded. “Yes, sir.” She moved to the map and pointed out the location. “So assuming that these bandits took Autumn this way, this temple must be somewhere up in the Shadow Mountains. Do you remember how long you were in the mountains?” Nilene looked to Autumn, who thought for a moment before holding up six fingers. “Six days?” When Autumn nodded, Nilene frowned. “That’s a pretty wide area we’ll have to search, then. It’ll be a long time looking before we find anything, especially if it’s as well hidden as these pictures suggest. Still, it’s a damn sight better than what we had before. I can have the Stone Shields ready to ride in an hour, Commander.”

  Kasrian nodded, and Nilene saluted and walked away. The well-dressed man stood up as well. “I’d best get a message to Queen Miraphina. The Shadow Mountains are partially in Katrellan territory, and we should give them an update. We wouldn’t want anyone to think we’re scouting for an invasion.”

  Aldwin nodded. “Good idea, Ambassador Selathiel. See to it.” The ambassador gave a bow and walked out of the room as well. Aldwin turned to his brother. “Kasrian, why don’t you take Autumn back to her room? I think she’s had quite a long day.”

  Kasrian nodded and ushered Autumn out of the room. He walked with her down the halls of the Palace. “Autumn, I think the Gods were smiling on us when they brought you to the prince’s aid last night. We’ve been trying to track these people down for a long time. Thanks to you, we may be able to keep other children from suffering the same fate.” Autumn nodded gratefully.

  Kasrian suddenly stopped walking. “Ah, speaking of his Highness. Fully recovered from your adventure last night, Lyall?” Autumn looked up and smiled as the boy stepped forward to meet them.

  Prince Lyall looked sheepishly at his feet. “I’m sorry, Uncle. I never meant to worry anyone, I was just so bored.” The prince looked at Autumn. “Hello again. I don’t think I got to thank you for saving me.” Lyall gave a bow. “I’m Prince Lyall, and I’m in your debt. What’s your name?”

  Autumn looked up to Kasrian. “She’s mute, your Highness, can’t say a word. Her name is Autumn. She’s just been helping us to track down those cultists we’ve been after.”

  “Wow, really?” Lyall looked to Autumn, beaming with pride. “You must be really smart! I’m sorry you can’t talk. Uncle Kasrian says I talk too much, so maybe you and I will balance each other out.” Autumn grinned as the prince and Kasrian laughed. “Uncle, do you mind if I join you? I’d like to walk Autumn to her room before I go to bed.”

  Kasrian smiled. “Why, your Highness, I believe that’s the most polite request I’ve ever heard you make. Miss Autumn must already be a good influence on you. Of course you may see her back to the servant’s quarters. I should be getting back to the conference, but I think you can find your way. Good night, Autumn, and thank you again.” Kasrian gave her a salute before turning back down the hall and heading back to the King’s study.

  Lyall turned to Autumn. “Well, I guess it’s just you and me, then. Would you like a tour of the castle before we get back to your room?” Autumn nodded and took the Prince’s arm when he presented it to her.

  Lyall took Autumn all around the building, showing her everything he could think of. It all went by in a blur to Autumn, who was still exhausted from the day. Then they reached the library. All she could do was stare in awe. The prince was talking, but she wasn’t listening anymore. She was staring at the books.

  The room was filled with more books than she ever imagined existed. Books meant stories. Stories like Father used to tell me. Perhaps they wrote down some of his songs. If not, maybe I can write them down. Her eyes filled with grateful tears as she realized she would be able to read them all. Kasrian had promised that she would learn how. She could come back here when she did.

  Eventually, they made their way back to the servant’s quarters. Autumn noticed that a sign had been added to her door. She turned t
o the Prince and pointed to it. He smiled. “I bet Harriet made that. It’s your name.” She smiled as she looked up at the sign. Around her name were leaves painted in shades of red and gold. It was hastily done, hardly the work of an artist. Autumn thought it was beautiful.

  Lyall smiled. “Well, I guess this is the end of the tour. Can I come visit you again? If you don’t mind, that is.” Autumn nodded, and the prince blushed. “Thank you. I think you might be the first real friend I ever had. Goodnight, I’ll see you later!” He gave a bow and headed back to his own chambers.

  Autumn smiled as she watched him walk away, then went into her room. She closed the door behind her and collapsed on the bed. It’s been a long day. After a moment of rest, she slowly stood up to prepare for bed

  As Autumn slipped out of her dress, she paused. Frowning, she looked at the symbol carved into her chest, then glanced up at her own face in the mirror. Her expression was filled with a determination that surprised her. There was no more fear. She smiled as she glared at the symbol on her chest. I’m not afraid of you anymore. I’m safe here, and I’ll make sure they find you. You’ll never hurt me again.

  Chapter 11

  Esren idly wondered what the girl’s name had been as he watched her limp body tumble down the cliff. She’d been foolish to let her guard down. It had been a simple matter to wait until her back was turned and push her off the ledge. He turned around and looked at the path. The blood trail was fading, but it led him up the mountain. There was only one way to go.

  He’d lost track of time in this world of eternal red moonlight, but he knew that the journey to get here must have been at least several weeks. He wondered if time passed the same here as it did in Katrell. He ran a hand through his hair and decided it didn’t matter. He would be the Chosen on his return. Who cared how long it took to get there?