The Silent Pact

by Genevieve Dickinson

  As he walked up the mountain trail, he wondered if any of the other candidates had made it this far. He’d eliminated eight and found the bodies of two more. Esren had fought several vicious beasts on the way to the mountain. The other candidates must not have been so lucky. Still, that left three more unaccounted for that he might have to deal with. He had to assume that they might have made it to the mountain ahead of him.

  Esren smiled as he walked. He couldn’t wait to see the look of pride on his mother’s face as he was declared the Chosen. He’d have to deal with Aunt Zara’s blubbering, of course, but that couldn’t be helped. Leaving Catrine alive wasn’t an option. She was just too much of a threat. Catrine and Zara clung to tradition so fiercely that they’d never accept the changes he had in mind. He’d start with legalizing the study of Soul Magic, then move on from there. Perhaps he’d eliminate this Choosing nonsense once and for all.

  He snorted derisively. The Choosing was the worst idea that old Queen Katrell ever had, he thought. If the Gods want someone to rule, they’ll be sure they’re born into the Royal Family, where they can be trained the right way from birth. Opening up the field to the commoners can only bring trouble. Anyway, my family’s rule has been good for Katrell for generations – surely that’s proof enough that the time for the Choosing has passed?

  The sound of footsteps caught his ear. Esren turned around to see a boy running up the mountain path behind him. He dug through his memory for a name. “Gareth!” He called out to the boy with a friendly smile and wave.

  Gareth smiled back, slowing his pace as he caught up to Esren. “Hello, Prince Esren! Guess we both had the same idea, huh? That grove of trees at the top of the mountain is the perfect place for the sword!”

  Esren smiled. The boy was barely twelve years old, the youngest candidate of the Choosing. His father was the ambassador to Bloodstone, a city-state far to the west. This boy might be useful, but he’ll have to be eliminated if he gets too close to the Sword.

  “My thoughts exactly, Gareth. Shall we keep moving?” Esren looked up at the winding path. “We should be careful. No telling what might be waiting at the top.”

  The two walked along the trail together. Gareth kept prattling along about some monster he’d seen on the way here. Esren couldn’t possibly have cared less, but he nodded and smiled, making comments at all the right places. A lifetime at court had taught him how to deal with people who just wanted to hear themselves talk.

  As they approached the peak, Esren heard voices arguing. His cheeks flushed as he broke into a run. Someone beat me there! I can’t allow anyone else to collect the Sword. If I’m not the Chosen, my plans are over before they could really begin. I have to get to the top before anyone can complete the Choosing before me.

  He reached the grove of trees at the top within minutes. A beautiful glowing woman stood in the center. Two other candidates stood before her, arguing with each other. A girl and a boy, brother and sister, Esren recalled vaguely. The woman must be guarding the sword. He stepped out into the grove.

  The siblings stopped arguing and turned to face him. They looked unimpressed. “Well, well, if it isn’t Prince Esren. I’m surprised you made it here, Your Highness.” The girl spoke in a mocking tone that infuriated him, but Esren kept his composure.

  “Happy to exceed expectations, of course. What’s going on here?”

  The boy looked angry. “This woman has the sword, but she won’t give it to us until we answer some stupid riddle. I know the answer, but my sister here keeps insisting I’m wrong.”

  “That’s because you are,” the girl responded angrily. “That’s why I should be the Chosen, not you. I don’t care what we agreed on.” The two began arguing again. Esren stood back, amused, as Gareth caught up.

  “What’s going on here?” Gareth asked. Esren looked down at him. The boy looked so hopeful, so . . . Intelligent. Sorry, Gareth. It just isn’t worth the risk. Esren sighed and pulled out the dagger he’d picked up from one of the monsters he’d killed. Without hesitation, he stabbed the boy in the throat, killing him quickly. As the blood rushed over his fingers, he turned toward the siblings. They hadn’t even stopped their arguing to notice.

  Enjoying the feeling of blood flowing over his fingers, he closed his eyes and spoke the words of a spell. He opened his eyes just in time to enjoy the look of surprise on the siblings’ faces as their heads exploded. Blood splattered over the grove, and their bodies fell across each other at the feet of the mysterious woman.

  Esren wiped his fingers on Gareth’s robe, then stepped calmly towards the woman. “So, then, my lady. What’s this riddle of yours?”

  

  “Your Majesty!” Miraphina looked up from her book to the messenger who had just run into the room. “Your Majesty, the Choosing is over!”

  The Queen let the book fall from her hands. She stood and ran towards the courtyard. It had been three months since the Choosing began, and she feared the worst. Zara had evidently heard the news as well. She joined Miraphina in the hall. Together, they ran to the courtyard, where the shimmering gate had reappeared.

  Miraphina paused to compose herself before she stepped out into the courtyard. As she approached the portal, a white-robed figure emerged, carrying the silver sword at his side. Her heart leaped as she recognized Esren. Propriety forgotten, she rushed forward to embrace her son. Grateful tears filled her eyes. A moment later, the Queen turned to face the gathering crowd. Smiling triumphantly, she raised Esren’s hand and the Sword of Katrell into the air.

  “People of Katrell! Behold, your Chosen!”

  The cheers were deafening. Miraphina’s heart swelled with pride, and Esren’s broad smile made her believe that he’d found his strength after all.

  Zara’s breaking voice brought the Queen back to reality. “Where is Catrine? What about the others?” Miraphina turned. With a sharp pain in her chest, she finally realized that none of the other candidates had returned. She looked to Esren, but she knew that he wouldn’t be able to tell her what had happened on the other side. As she watched him waving proudly to the crowd, she looked at the blood staining his robe. Her own experience had been fraught with dangers, but there seemed to be too much blood. There was no way to know for sure that he had gone to the same place or experienced the same thing. Still, it struck her as odd.

  Miraphina looked at Zara, tears filling her eyes. When the Queen reached out to hold her, she began sobbing uncontrollably. “Zara, I’m so sorry. I can’t imagine how painful this must be . . .”

  Zara raised her head, wiping away the tears, and broke free of her sister’s embrace. “It’s alright, sister. Catrine knew the risks, as did we all. I’m sure she died well.” Zara staggered off back to the castle.

  Miraphina looked back to Esren. “Yes,” she murmured, wondering. “I’m sure she did.”

  Chapter 12

  “Now then, Your Highness, tell us about the Choosing ceremony in Katrell.” Master Albrecht had been Prince Lyall’s tutor for four years now, and he knew that the best way of getting him to actually study was to put him on the spot in front of his other student. Indeed, Autumn was sitting across the table from the Prince, smiling knowingly. Albrecht enjoyed watching the prince’s expression of pride as he presented what he’d learned.

  “The Kingdom of Katrell is a magocracy, ruled by the most magically talented. The way that their ruler is picked is called the ‘Choosing.’ There aren’t any details on the Choosing since part of the ritual is actually a spell that keeps the participants from ever talking about what they experienced, even to each other. The candidates are selected from all walks of life and from all over Katrell. People often die in the Choosing, and the one who completes it successfully is called the Chosen. The Chosen is the Heir to the throne of Katrell, and will take over when the current monarch dies or abdicates.” He bit his lip, trying to think of anything he’d forgotten. “The current ruling family in Katrell has actually ruled for several generations now. The most recent Choos
ing was four years ago. Queen Miraphina’s son Esren was declared the Chosen. He was the only one to survive the ritual.”

  “Very good.” Albrecht was pleased. “Now, then, Autumn. You were to research the omens that determine when the Choosing is held. Do you have your report?”

  Autumn nodded and handed over a small stack of papers. “Excellent. I’ll read over them later. It seems you were very thorough, as always.” She smiled at the compliment. “Now then, I think that’s enough for today. I believe you both have a lot of preparation to do for the Katrellan visit.” The two of them stood and walked down the hall together, the Prince chatting happily away to his ever-silent friend.

  Albrecht smiled. It had been easier to tutor the two of them together after the prince kept sneaking into Autumn’s reading lessons. It turned out to be an excellent idea. Autumn was a brilliant child. She thrived on the learning that usually only royalty or the very rich were permitted. Lyall was quite intelligent as well, but several tutors had quit in frustration at the prince’s laziness. With Autumn around, Lyall had someone to compete with. Albrecht was delighted with the results. So was the King, who had granted Albrecht a very comfortable suite in the castle and a hefty raise as a reward.

  The tutor flipped through the pages of Autumn’s report. She was only fourteen years old, but she was very close to surpassing his ability to teach her. I must remember to ask the King about sending her to the University when she’s old enough. Albrecht sighed. No, that’s not right. I must remember to speak to Autumn about it first. Because she was silent, so many people made the mistake of assuming she had nothing to say. Albrecht had promised her when they met that he would always consider her opinions and never make any decisions for her.

  The tutor suddenly became aware of the prince’s voice still coming from the hall. He rolled his eyes and sighed in frustration as he stepped out the door. As he expected, he found the young man still chatting with Autumn. She listened intently and responded with small gestures and expressions that made her meaning clearly visible to someone who knew her as well as Lyall. Albrecht smiled in spite of himself. He’d taught them the sign language that he’d learned at the University, but the two of them really didn’t need any help understanding each other. Albrecht cleared his throat loudly. The two of them started, and the tutor adopted his sternest face.

  Lyall laughed. “Yes, yes, sir, I know. Autumn, see you later I hope.” He gave a courtly bow, which she returned with a modest curtsy. The prince rushed off down the hall towards his own quarters. Autumn gave a wave to the tutor and turned towards the kitchens, but Albrecht held up a hand. Now is as good a time as any.

  “Autumn, wait, I have something I’d like to discuss with you.” She stopped and turned to face him with a curious expression. “This incredibly thorough report you’ve written only confirms what I’ve known for some time now. You are brilliant, Autumn. You’re probably the most gifted student I’ve seen in my whole career.” Autumn flushed with pride, and Albrecht smiled. “I’m very proud of you, but also concerned that I may not be able to teach you for much longer. Quite frankly, you’ll surpass me very soon. I’d like you to consider going to study at the University.”

  Autumn was stunned. The University of Nor was reserved only for the wealthiest of families who could afford the most exceptional education for their children. Its graduates went on to be some of the most influential people in the kingdom. It was a tremendous honor.

  Albrecht put a hand on her shoulder. “I don’t want you to answer me right now. It’s a big decision, and you’re the only one who can make it. Think it over carefully. In the meantime, do you think your duties will allow you to come to the ceremony today?”

  Autumn shrugged. She knew there was a lot to prepare, and Harriet was always shorthanded. Albrecht nodded. “Well, see if you can make it. I’ll try to save you a seat near the front so that you can see it better.” Autumn smiled gratefully and turned again to head back to the kitchens.

  Albrecht considered calling her back for one last concern but decided it wasn’t worth it. She and the Prince had been close friends since they met, it was only natural that they would start to develop an attraction to each other as time went on. He didn’t see any harm in letting them indulge in a little harmless flirtation. After all, even if the Prince is foolish enough to take it too seriously, Autumn will be smart enough to keep her distance.

  Albrecht went back into the small classroom and closed the door. Opening the window to enjoy the breeze from the beautiful spring day outside, he relaxed in his favorite chair and began reading over Autumn’s report.

  

  Autumn returned to the kitchens to find the place in exactly the condition she’d left it – barely organized chaos. Harriet was barking orders at the kitchen help, who were scrambling to prepare the feast for tonight. Autumn tapped the old cook on the shoulder to let her know she was there. Harriet looked relieved. “Oh, thank goodness, someone who knows what they’re doing. I need you to take care of dessert, think you can handle it on your own?” Autumn smiled and snapped a salute, and Harriet laughed despite her stress. “That’s my girl, always ready to – no, no, don’t do that, you’ll ruin the roast!” Harriet rushed off to stop a disaster in progress, leaving Autumn shaking her head as she went to fetch an apron.

  A few minutes later, Autumn was rolling out the dough for the King’s favorite pastries. She gazed out the window as she prepared the various components, watching the castle’s three milk cows grazing in the yard. She thought about Albrecht’s offer as she worked. Going to the University would mean giving up this job. Why does that bother me so much? It’s not like being a kitchen servant is something people usually aspire to.

  Still, she quite enjoyed working in the kitchens, even on crazy days like this. Harriet often left her to her own devices, which meant she could be creative with her ingredients and experiment with new recipes. “Great chefs know that the recipe is just a starting point” was what Harriet always said. The other servants were friendly to her as well, though how much of that was because everyone knew she was friends with the prince was up for debate.

  Thinking of Lyall brought a smile to her face. Kam had taught her long ago to be wary of nobility, but Autumn knew that he would have liked Lyall. She loved being around him, even on days when all they had was an hour of lessons together. Something about his presence warmed her heart. He was one of the few people who could sit with her in perfect silence, just enjoying the world around them without the need to fill it with empty chatter. Maybe that’s what’s bothering me. I guess going to the University would mean giving up spending time with him. Not that I should really be thinking such things. After all, won’t he have his own duties to attend to by then? He’ll never have time for me. Autumn’s smile faded as she continued putting together the pastries. Entrance to the University would have to wait until she was sixteen, so she had plenty of time to think about it.

  When the pastries were finally ready, she put them in the oven and set up an hourglass to time their cooking. She tapped another girl who was carrying dishes. Once she had her attention, Autumn pointed to the hourglass. The girl nodded. “Take them out when the timer runs out. Got it, Autumn!” Autumn patted the girl’s shoulder approvingly and went to find Harriet.

  She found the old cook fussing at a pair of young girls about the proper way to mash the potatoes. Autumn tapped her on the shoulder, then pulled out the small notebook and pencil she kept on her at all times. There were a few people around the castle who had taken the time to learn the sign language that Albrecht had taught her, but Harriet never quite mastered it. She quickly wrote out “May I go to the ceremony? Albrecht invited me.”

  Harriet read the message, then looked up at her. “Are the pastries in the oven with the timer?” When Autumn nodded, Harriet smiled. “Then what are you still doing here? I’d suggest changing first, though, especially if you’ll be sitting up front with that tutor of yours.” Autumn grinned and nodded, rushing off to her roo
m to change.

  Autumn’s room had changed very little in the four years she had lived here. Kam’s rules about spending money still stuck after all this time. Over the years, she had made a few modest improvements. A drawing easel with a comfortable stool and a fine art set now graced one corner. A half-finished painting of Harriet was resting on the easel. Autumn had been painting the portrait in the same style as the ones of the royal family as a birthday gift.

  Autumn had quickly grown out of the clothing that Kasrian had gotten for her when she first arrived at the palace. She had commissioned her own from the dressmaker since then, and several simple tunic dresses embroidered with the royal seal hung in her wardrobe. The young woman even had a few better outfits for occasions such as this. She was hardly wealthy, but Kasrian kept inviting her to court functions. She couldn’t very well go looking like a servant.

  After glancing through her wardrobe, she chose one of her favorites, a high-collared dress made of pale green linen. The style hid the scars on her chest, and the color set off her hair nicely. She slipped out of her servants’ garb and sat down at the mirror.

  Her long, red hair was her pride and joy. It reached down to her waist, and she’d taken great pains to make sure it was well taken care of. Several colorful bottles were sitting on the vanity, filled with oils and soaps to keep her hair healthy and strong. There were several headbands and other accessories tucked away in the drawers as well. Most of the wealthy women in Nor wore their hair in elaborate, complicated styles with heavy jewelry and other adornments. Autumn found the fashion to be silly and impractical and preferred to wear her hair in a simple braid. Today, she opted to leave it loose, with a simple copper headband to keep it out of her eyes.

  Once she was dressed, she stood to examine herself in the mirror. Satisfied with her appearance, she picked up the small leather purse she carried when she was out of the palace. She put in a handful of silver coins and her notebook and pencil. Finally ready, she stepped out of her room and hurried out of the palace.