Perilous Shadows: Book 6 Circles of Light

by E. M. Sinclair

  ‘And take my love to Garrol – and the others.’

  Shivan nodded and went off to find the Second Son. Tika wandered out into the courtyard where Farn reclined.

  ‘They’re very interesting aren’t they? It’s a shame I can’t get right in the water with them, but Storm has fun.’

  Tika was startled. ‘Storm’s been swimming with the Chyliax?’

  ‘Yes. He met Corax’s mother. He said she was very nice.’

  ‘Is that where he is now? And where is Brin?’

  ‘Brin’s been exploring the island. He found some very kind people who fed him.’

  Now Tika was alarmed rather than startled. ‘But why would people feed him?’

  ‘They gave him three goats and he told them lots of stories about his adventures.’

  Tika groaned aloud and sent a hasty query to Kija. Kija was apparently some distance away, basking in a sheltered glade. She agreed to investigate Brin’s activities, but Tika had a strong conviction the gold Dragon was intending to go back to sleep. Subaken emerged from the house and hovered, unsure whether she should interrupt Tika and Farn. Tika smiled.

  ‘Has your father gone?’

  ‘Just a moment ago.’ Subaken tentatively touched Farn’s shoulder. ‘He is very beautiful.’

  Tika pulled a face. ‘You shouldn’t tell him that; he will grow far too conceited.’

  Still not entirely sure about human teasing, Farn peered into her face but was reassured by her fond expression.

  ‘I will simply grow more beautiful, my Tika. Just like you.’

  Tika gave him a gentle push. ‘You talk such nonsense sometimes, dear one. Go and fly for a while.’

  ‘And you will fly too?’ His eyes whirred in delight.

  ‘Yes. Come on.’

  She grabbed Subaken’s hand and hauled her onto Farn’s back. There was a squeak of surprise and Subaken’s arms clamped around Tika’s waist as Farn lifted into the air. He flew very sedately until he sensed the Shadow Daughter relax, and then increased his speed. He took them eastwards, first over thick woodland, then open farm land until he came to a wide white beach. He landed and Tika and Subaken slid from his back.

  Farn paced down the damp sand and into the rippling waves. Tika watched him then started to walk parallel with him, but further up the beach, Subaken at her side.

  ‘That scar on his neck,’ Subaken began.

  ‘It nearly killed us both,’ Tika replied quietly, and Subaken fell silent again.

  Tika stopped suddenly. ‘Will you be missed? Oh I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have whisked you off.’

  Subaken laughed. ‘I told my mother where I was – when I managed to open my eyes.’

  ‘I thought you use mind speech, although Dromi told me that his people can’t.’

  ‘My Tika and dearest Subaken, come and see what I’ve found.’ Farn’s mind tone was seductively inviting.

  The two young women turned to see Farn half submerged, but his long neck stretched back towards the beach as he peered with fascination at something they couldn’t see. They began to walk towards him. Tika nudged Subaken.

  ‘I apologise in advance. This is a trick he learned from Storm.’

  They’d reached the water just in front of Farn’s nose, their bare toes flinching from the tickle of the waves. Farn surged to his feet, his wings scooping water with deadly accuracy over both women. He backed away, his laughter pealing through their minds while they stood soaked and gasping and speechless. Tika saw him lower himself for more wingfuls of water and dragged Subaken back, hopefully out of range. Farn bellowed in mock rage and chased after them, dousing them once more but not quite so thoroughly.

  ‘You win!’ Tika yelled at him, and he paddled happily back into the water.

  She risked a glance at the Shadow Lord’s daughter. Droplets of water glittered over Subaken’s skull and on her cheeks, matching a wild glitter in her green eyes.

  ‘You let him get away with that?’ she asked.

  Tika hesitated, not sure of Subaken’s mood.

  ‘Can you swim?’ Subaken demanded.

  Tika shook her head and Subaken spun towards the sea. She raced after Farn and leaped, pulling his neck and head down, under the water. He emerged spluttering and huffing indignantly and was promptly dunked again by a small woman shrieking with mad laughter. Eventually he realised this was another sort of game and used his wings to squash Subaken under the waves. His look of triumph changed to concern and he stared worriedly down where Subaken had been. But she had swum under his belly and surfaced behind him to give his tail an enormous tug. Tika sat at a discreet distance up the beach and laughed until she cried.

  Subaken conceded victory to Farn and collapsed next to Tika.

  ‘It must be wonderful to have such a friend.’

  Tika was watching Farn snapping at long strands of sea weed that were apparently attacking his tail. ‘Yes,’ she agreed. ‘Wonderful.’

  While Tika played on the beach through the afternoon with Subaken and Farn, Dromi had joined the rest of her companions in the room they now considered their territory. There was silence when he came in but not a critical or condemning silence, merely one which suggested curiosity. Rhaki patted the empty couch beside him.

  ‘Come and talk to us Dromi. We’ve heard much of what you’ve learnt, I think. Had you no inkling before?’

  Dromi sat down and Sket pushed the inevitable bowl of tea into his hand.

  ‘There is a small group within the Brotherhood who have always held that there was a link, long ago, with the Shadow Realm. I was ambivalent. Some of their theories seemed convincing, and others too outrageous to consider seriously.’

  He gazed down at his long fingered hands, then glanced up at his audience.

  ‘It was overwhelming to find myself here, to learn these are really my people, that I am of the same blood. But although Chancellor Konrik has offered me a place among them, to act as a link with those left behind in Drogoya and who now call themselves Old Bloods, if Lady Tika permits, I would rather stay with this company.’

  Shea beamed at him. ‘This family you mean,’ she said, unaware of thoughtful looks cast in her direction. She put her hands on her hips. ‘Anyone like a game of snap-the-rat?’

  It was surprising how busy people were just then, but Navan grinned at her.

  ‘That game gets tedious after a while. I know a couple of others I could show you.’

  Essa watched the two vanish into the garden and groaned. ‘Sket, should we be even more vigilant?’

  Sket grinned. ‘Navan likes to play dice, so be warned. Are you sure you want to stay with us?’ he asked Dromi. ‘I won’t have anyone in this company with divided loyalties.’

  Dromi’s strange, many coloured eyes looked up directly into Sket’s. ‘I will give my life for the Lady Tika.’

  His words had the resonance of a solemn vow, and after a brief moment, Sket gave a single nod and moved away. Fedran asked permission to go into the town and Sket gave his approval.

  ‘No trouble though. If these people have taverns, you stay out of them.’

  Fedran nodded and departed with Kazmat and Geffal.

  ‘Come on, Onion.’ Essa got to her feet and Onion watched her with deep suspicion.

  Her filed, purple teeth showed when she smiled at him. ‘It’s time you started getting used to weapons drill using only one eye.’

  Before Onion could complain, the Sergeant took a handful of his shirt front and lifted him to his feet. Well, off his feet for a moment in fact. Onion’s remaining eye rolled beseechingly towards Dog, who smirked. One huge hand on Onion’s shoulder, Essa propelled him outside.

  ‘It’s for your own good Onion. It takes time to adjust to single vision, just as you have to relearn your balance if you lose an arm or a leg.’

  ‘Is he fit enough Dog?’ Sket asked quietly.

  ‘It’s healed really well. Essa checked with Konya last night. Konya said exercise would be good as long as his head isn’t banged too mu
ch.’

  Rhaki looked aghast. ‘I think I’ll just make sure the Sergeant remembers not to get too enthusiastic.’

  ‘He’s seen those flashes of light again.’ Although only Sket and Dog remained, Dog lowered her voice. ‘It happened before Tika called the Chyliax. It happened when we brought her back here, and each day she was gone. Several times in those days. Nothing so far today.’

  ‘What does Konya think?’

  ‘She’s never heard of anything like it. She said we should tell Tika.’

  ‘She’s gone off with Farn.’ Sket was thoughtful. ‘But one of us must tell her at the first chance.’

  Dog nodded. ‘That Shadow Lady went with them, didn’t she? It is very odd. I thought, the first time I saw one of those creatures with tusks, that they were nightmare monsters, like the ones nasty old grannies scare the wits out of innocent children with.’

  Sket snorted. ‘When were you ever an innocent child, Dog?’

  Dog ignored such a contemptible remark. ‘But since we’ve been here with all the people looking like that, without the tusks,’ she amended. ‘They are actually quite beautiful, don’t you think? Their heads remind me of those pendants, all smooth and sort of elegant.’

  Sket opened his mouth to make another sarcastic comment and closed it again and frowned. She had a point, he decided, and made a mental note to repeat it to Tika, whenever she chose to come back. Even as he went into the courtyard to scan the sky, he saw Farn’s familiar outline circling high overhead. He watched Farn’s slowly looping glide and mused on this place.

  Like Tika, he’d immediately seen the similarity between this building and the great palace of the Emperor of Wendla. But where the Emperor was closely guarded behind high walls and by magnificent armsmen, the Shadow Lord had no such protection. He walked among his people and discussed such mundane things as recipes for a fish soup – Sket had overheard that conversation himself. People had seemed fairly free to come and go in the Karmazen Palace, but the First Daughter herself lived fairly secluded: Sket didn’t think many of the ordinary folk of the town could wander in for a chat.

  Ren had said the upper floors of the Menedula in Syet were well guarded – citizens spoke to lesser officials in the public halls on the ground floor only. As these thoughts went through his mind, Farn landed. Tika and Subaken came towards the house and Sket’s eyes narrowed. They were both soaking wet. He also saw their smiles so he forbore to comment.

  ‘We’re starving,’ Subaken told him cheerfully. ‘We’ll just get dry clothes and I’ll ask for food to be brought.’ A thought struck her. ‘Unless you’d like a proper banquet tonight?’

  Tika giggled. ‘Don’t be silly. None of us would know how to behave at a banquet.’

  Sket watched them go into the house, thankful that his Lady seemed to have had a day of pleasure, without worries, without alarms. He strolled over to Farn.

  ‘Had a good time?’ he enquired.

  And he received a full report of the glorious excitement of the day.

  Shivan used an ordinary Dark gateway rather than a Dragon gate, but he still brought them to the roof terrace rather than appearing suddenly among too many Dark Ones within the Palace. Darallax appeared a child beside the tall young Dark Lord as Shivan quietly moved to the entrance. Two men strode out to confront them, then halted in surprise. Corman stared, and stared.

  ‘Darallax?’

  The Shadow Lord, to Shivan’s astonishment, touched his left thumb to his brow, his lips and chest, then spread his three fingered hand towards Corman. ‘Corman.’

  The man with Corman was Shield Master Garrol and he was staring open mouthed at the Shadow Lord.

  ‘I beg your permission to see my sister,’ Darallax said softly.

  ‘Of course.’

  Corman started into the archway. As Darallax crossed the threshold, the walls seemed to groan aloud and shiver. Shivan glanced at Darallax who placed his hand flat to the nearest wall and closed his eyes. After a handful of heartbeats, Darallax straightened, his expression filled with an immeasurable sadness, and Corman led him on.

  Garrol and Shivan slowed of one accord, letting Corman take the Shadow Lord on to the First Daughter’s private rooms. Garrol gave a soft whistle.

  ‘How did you ever find him? We thought he and his people were lost entirely.’

  ‘Tika.’

  ‘Aah.’

  ‘And she found the Chyliax – inside the Splintered Kingdom. I’d never heard tell of them.’

  Garrol gaped again. Shivan continued, making the most of the Shield Master’s amazement.

  ‘Tika got the Chyliax out and popped them back to Darallax.’

  Garrol frowned. ‘Perhaps not as easily as you make it sound. Is she all right?’

  ‘Yes. She used a very odd combination of power to call the Chyliax – that’s all she did. Stood with Darallax and called aloud, and they came.’

  ‘And?’ Garrol prodded when Shivan appeared lost in thought.

  ‘Oh. Yes. Well, she was asleep for three days afterwards.’

  ‘What?’

  ‘But her body was unaffected. Konya couldn’t understand it either, she didn’t need food or liquid. Rhaki and I couldn’t tell where her mind was, but the Dragons weren’t in a panic.’

  ‘Well where was she then?’

  ‘Ferag took her to the Realm of Death, put her to bed in her very own bed and fed her dainties with her very own hands. For three days.’

  Garrol sat down abruptly. Rather enjoying the reaction, Shivan added:

  ‘Tika said Ferag was very sweet.’

  ‘Enough.’ Garrol’s hands snapped up in a defensive gesture. He scowled at Shivan. ‘This is true?’

  Shivan suddenly looked glum. ‘Absolutely.’

  Corman returned to the large chamber. ‘Darallax wants me to tell you that he will be with you shortly. He was very shocked by Lerran’s state, but he said he will visit again.’

  ‘I will wait then. Tika said I was to return if he wanted to stay here longer.’

  ‘She got the Chyliax out of the Splintered Kingdom, Corman. All this time, we thought they were vanished, like Shadow. And they’ve been imprisoned in that place, poor souls.’

  Shivan gave a quick gesture of apology as he interrupted the Shield Master.

  ‘Have you any news of Cyrek?’ he asked.

  Corman’s face was grave. ‘Nothing. He was traced to his family lands, as you were told, but then he just disappeared again. I have people watching for his mind signature – Alloc is almost constantly searching, but so far he has found no sign.’

  ‘So he’s probably causing trouble out in the world. Any reports from Kelshan or Sapphrea?’

  Corman shook his head. ‘Lady Emla sent a long letter by way of Shiral two days ago. She says all is calm and peaceful throughout her lands and also the lands around whose rulers are in contact with her. But she did say she “felt” there is something amiss, that the calmness is false. She did not admit as much, but Peshan and I both believe Lady Emla is worried. We cannot decide what we should do. And I leave it to your judgement as to whether you pass this on to Lady Tika.’

  Shivan grimaced. ‘But nothing has actually happened yet? No earthquakes, no violent changes among the people?’

  They sat for a moment then Shivan stirred. ‘Did you know that Darallax lived in the north of what is now called Drogoya?’

  Corman leaned back wearily. ‘Yes. But after the first battle, he and his people were gone, his cities razed. We thought them all lost.’

  ‘Corman, who is the First Son?’

  Corman smiled, every one of the centuries he had endured etched on his face.

  ‘The First Son of Mother Dark was Hanlif, Lord of Light. He truly is long gone.’

  Chapter Thirty

  The company were gathered in the garden room next morning when Shivan returned. He was immediately the centre of attention.

  ‘They’ve completely lost track of Cyrek,’ were his first words. He hesitated only b
riefly. ‘Corman thinks Lady Emla is worried. Nothing definite, she just senses trouble lying in wait.’

  Tika frowned. ‘Did Darallax’s visit go well?’

  ‘Corman took him to the First Daughter and left him there for a while.’ Shivan gave a half shrug. ‘Darallax said nothing when he rejoined me, nor when we got back here. He went off upstairs.’

  ‘I think Emla’s safe for now. Yes I do,’ she insisted when several faces showed surprise. ‘Any attack on me will not begin with such an obvious ploy. If only we knew exactly where the Splintered Kingdom is, what it is, and how we can get into it unnoticed.’ She sat forward. ‘When you came to get us out Shea, did Peshan open a gateway?’

  ‘Favrian did, not Peshan.’ Shea corrected her. ‘I don’t understand gateways so I don’t know where he asked for us to go.’

  Tika stared at the girl. Slowly she turned her head to Shivan. ‘You ask to go somewhere when you open gateways?’

  He nodded.

  ‘What language do you use?’

  ‘Well that’s quite interesting. When we arrived here and Konrik welcomed us, he used the language we speak to open a gate. We learn different phrases and are taught – roughly – how to find the word for a place.’

  Tika was horrified. ‘So you’ve been taking us to various places and you’ve been guessing the right word to get us there?’

  ‘Sort of.’

  ‘Dear stars,’ Sket muttered while more colourful comments came from several others.

  ‘You are telling me the Shadow language is the one you use for accessing power? Surely the oldest among you must know that language then?’

  ‘No one’s ever mentioned such a thing.’ Shivan started to chew the side of his thumb and Shea slapped his hand. ‘We learn the phrases, only a few in fact, by rote. We aren’t told what any of the words mean, only what might be achieved by saying them.’

  ‘Cold fire. Do you use words for that?’

  ‘No.’ He raised his hand, fingers waggling. ‘Patterns.’

  ‘I need to think.’ Tika made for the permanently open doors to the courtyard, leaving her company staring suspiciously at Shivan.