The Traitor Queen tst-3

by Trudi Canavan

  “We are not the same,” Tyvara told her. “The Ashaki are no more.”

  Savara looked back at Lorkin. “What do you think? Are we the same?”

  Lorkin shook his head. “No. Yes, you are determined, but that is no bad thing in itself. Only a stronger determination to end their power would overcome their determination to hold onto it.”

  Savara eyebrows rose. “An interesting observation from a Kyralian and former Guild magician.”

  He shrugged, then managed a smile. “But don’t tell me you’ve succeeded where the Guild failed until you’ve successfully held onto power here for a few decades – and have done so without being as ruthless as the Ashaki.”

  A faint smile thinned her lips, then she straightened and looked around the circle of Traitors. “The battle is over,” she called out. “The hard work now begins. You know what to do.”

  Lorkin saw wry expressions and weary resignation as the circle of Traitors broke apart. The Speakers started forward and Savara walked over to meet them. The rest of the Traitors gathered into teams. Listening to a group nearby, Lorkin heard the leader asking how many stones were left. As they counted, she asked for a volunteer to take messages to the former slaves, telling them it was safe to return to the city.

  He felt something poke him in the ribs and turned to see Tyvara nodding toward Savara. The queen and the Speakers were moving away. He fell into step beside her as she followed them. Savara will need guarding for some time yet, he realised. Then he shook his head. Somehow I’ve wound up as a royal bodyguard. I never would have predicted that.

  “There are many, many dead slaves in the palace,” Speaker Shaiya was saying. “I can’t estimate how long it will take to remove the bodies. Even if we could clear them tonight, we won’t know it’s completely safe until we search all rooms.”

  “And the free servants?”

  Shaiya shook her head. “Most resisted us. The rest fled.”

  “They were raised to be loyal,” Savara said. “And, unlike slaves, they had something to lose. We were never going to win them over.” She sighed. “We need a safe base from which to organise. Somewhere central. What about one of these houses?”

  Shaiya looked around. “I’ll send teams in to investigate.”

  Chapter 29

  A New and Frightening Freedom

  Despite the way that the crew rushed around, nothing seemed to happen quickly on a ship, Lilia reflected. But as the vessel drifted toward the docks she looked at Anyi and decided she didn’t mind. Rothen had ordered that food and water be brought, and while Anyi was still very tired she had regained some colour and could sit up.

  Anyi’s expression was distant and pained, which made Lilia’s heart ache with sympathy, but then her friend shook her head and her face hardened with determination. She has more self-control that I’d ever have, in her situation, Lilia thought. Suddenly I can see Cery in her. He’d had the same habit of looking distracted, then snapping into focus, she realised. She just hadn’t understood why.

  He probably grieved for the loss of his family when alone, or with Gol. Lilia frowned. Losing him is going to catch up with Anyi eventually. I will be there for her when it does, even if I have to sneak out of the Guild.

  They watched in silence as the last manoeuvres were made to bring the ship dockside. Rothen stood beside the captain, talking quietly. The two magicians he had recruited at the docks stood guard over the crew taken from Skellin’s ship. Seeing them following his orders unquestioningly, though they clearly had no idea of the reasons for them, had amazed her. Magicians weren’t usually so cooperative, at least not from what she’d seen. But then she saw the respect in their faces and remembered that Rothen was not just a Higher Magician, but had been Black Magician Sonea’s guardian and teacher, and had no small part in fighting the Ichani Invasion.

  It’s easy to forget that, with Rothen. He doesn’t push people around or look down on them. He’s approachable. I bet he doesn’t think he’s all that important.

  Rothen turned to look at her, then walked over. He smiled at Anyi. “How are you feeling? Ready to go?”

  Anyi nodded but, as she stood up, she looked down at herself and grimaced.

  “Dizzy?” Rothen asked, reaching out to steady her.

  Anyi shook her head. “No. I’m fine.”

  He nodded, then beckoned and headed towards the long plank the crew had strung between the ship and dock. Anyi took a few unsteady steps.

  “Are you sure you’re all right?” Lilia asked in a low voice.

  “I look a mess. I feel a mess. And I don’t think this coat is ever going to be the same.”

  Lilia shuddered. Anyi’s clothes were stiff and stained with her blood. She hooked her arm through her friend’s. “I’ll buy you another one.”

  “Maybe it’ll be a good thing, me looking like this. Might make the Higher Magicians feel guilty they didn’t catch Skellin sooner.” She sighed. “At least you’re clean.”

  Lilia looked down at her robes. Rothen had brought them, so she wouldn’t have to return to the Guild wearing the tattered disguise. Assuming I did return. It could have all gone very badly. She still couldn’t believe her trick had worked. Looking over at Skellin’s body, which was covered by an old piece of sacking, she shuddered. I killed a person. With black magic. But she didn’t want to think about that now.

  They caught up with Rothen at the railing. “Will the Higher Magicians want to see us straightaway, Lord Rothen?” she asked as they reached him.

  He nodded. “I’m afr—”

  “What’s he doing here?” Anyi interrupted, her words a low growl.

  Lilia followed Anyi’s gaze and her heart sank as she saw the black-robed magician waiting on the dock.

  “Kallen is – was – in charge of finding Skellin,” Rothen reminded her.

  “A fine job he did of it, too.”

  “Are we going to tell him what happened?” Lilia asked. “What if he is Skellin’s source.”

  Rothen’s eyes narrowed. “Say nothing until the meeting.” He gave them a grim smile. “Don’t worry. We’ll work out who the source is. If it is a Higher Magician, well, it wouldn’t be the first time one of us had a nasty secret. We’ll deal with it.”

  As they started down the gangplank, Lilia gave Anyi a reassuring nod. “He sounds confident.”

  Anyi shrugged, then followed. As they reached the dock, Kallen stepped forward to meet them. Lilia bowed, but Anyi remained unbending, her eyes dark and jaw stiff.

  “Lord Rothen. Lady Lilia. Anyi.” Kallen turned to Rothen. “You asked me to meet you here?”

  “Yes, Black Magician Kallen. I will explain more when we return to the Guild, but I can tell you that Skellin is dead and his mother too. His body is on board, if you wish to inspect it. Lorandra’s is somewhere under the sea.”

  Kallen’s eyebrows rose. Without saying another word, he strode up the gangplank and headed for the body. His back was to them as he crouched and lifted the sacking, so Lilia could not see his expression. I would have liked to, she mused. Kallen returned to the dock. He looked straight at Lilia and smiled. “You have some explaining to do.” His tone was not disapproving, she noted.

  “Not until we return to the Guild,” Rothen said firmly. “I’ve made arrangements for the crew to be imprisoned until we can question them, and for the body to be delivered to the Guild.”

  Kallen nodded and gestured to the end of the dock. “The carriage that brought me is still here, if you would like to take it.”

  Rothen nodded. They walked to the carriage in silence. Looking around, Lilia noted how the dock workers paused to stare at Kallen. They looked curious, but also uneasy. But then, that’s how novices react to Sonea walking past, too. Impressed, but also intimidated. Then it occurred to her that people would regard her in the same way one day, when she had graduated and had to wear black robes. I used to look forward to the day I didn’t have to wear novice robes. Now I dread it.

  The journey to the Guild was
not a long one, since a wide road led directly from the Marina to the grounds, only detouring around the palace, but it seemed a lot longer. Nobody spoke. Kallen’s gaze moved from Lilia to Anyi to Rothen, staying mostly on Rothen.

  He looks perplexed. And worried. I’d have thought he’d be more annoyed than this that we’ve been dealing with Skellin without consulting him. Whenever he met her eyes she looked away.

  When they arrived, Rothen started toward the University entrance while Kallen paused to instruct the driver.

  “The Administrator is at the palace,” Kallen called after him.

  Rothen stopped and looked back. “High Lord Balkan?”

  “Also with the king.”

  “Will they return soon?”

  Kallen’s shoulders lifted and fell. “I doubt they’ll return until late.”

  Rothen blinked, then his eyes widened suddenly. “You were at the palace when I sent for you, weren’t you? It’s happening, isn’t it?”

  Kallen nodded. “But I knew you would only send for me if it was important. Can I have a word privately?”

  Leaving Lilia and Anyi at the steps, Rothen rejoined Kallen. Lilia saw that Anyi’s expression was full of suspicion. She looked back at the magicians. While their mouths were moving, she could hear nothing. Most likely they were using a sound-blocking shield. Looks like something important, and something Rothen was expecting.

  “Are you sure it was him?” Rothen asked, his voice suddenly loud and clear. Kallen nodded. “Well, then. Unfortunately I must reveal what I have learned first to the Administrator and High Lord so we’ll have to wait until they return.”

  “It may be a day or two before they are free to meet with you.”

  “Yes, that is likely. Do you think the king will summon all the Higher Magicians to the palace?”

  “No.” Kallen replied. “He doesn’t like having too many magicians flapping about. Would you like me to tell the Administrator and High Lord that you have found Skellin and wish to meet with them?”

  “Yes, thank you.”

  Rothen waited as Kallen climbed back into the carriage. The driver urged the horses into motion. They picked up speed as they neared the gates, Lilia noted.

  “He’s in a hurry,” Anyi said in a low voice. She looked at Rothen. “What’s so important that it trumps the death of Skellin and tracking down his spies in the Guild?”

  Rothen’s expression was serious as he replied. “Something very important. You will find out soon enough.”

  Anyi looked thoughtful. “We’re not about to be invaded again, are we?”

  Rothen shook his head. “No.”

  “Or invade someone else?”

  “No. Enough guessing. I’ll take you both to Sonea’s rooms, then I’ll bring Gol back here. I told him to wait at—”

  “Gol’s alive?” Anyi interrupted.

  Lilia smiled. “Yes. He helped us find you. He’s going to be very happy we got you back.”

  Anyi winced. “He must be so...” She sighed. “Well... let’s go get cleaned up.”

  Lilia smiled. “At least there’s one benefit to the delay.”

  * * *

  Oh, Dannyl. Sonea pulled Osen’s ring from her finger and wiped tears from her eyes. To lose someone you love like that... It had brought back a flood of memories and emotions, and she had been thankful that Naki’s ring had kept both from Osen. The Administrator had been a little shocked. He’d known that Dannyl was fond of his Ashaki friend, but clearly Dannyl had managed to conceal just how fond he had been.

  She suspected Osen hadn’t wanted to consider it was even possible. Not that Dannyl could love another man – he knew about Tayend – but that he could fall for a Sachakan. Especially an Ashaki. Or that so powerful a Sachakan could fall for Dannyl.

  She felt a pang of sympathy as she recalled Dannyl’s anger. If she’d known that he might witness the death of a lover, she would not have suggested Dannyl watch the battle and communicate the result to her and Osen. I don’t think Dannyl believed the Traitors would win, though. He was more concerned for Lorkin.

  “I’m sorry, Sonea,” a familiar voice said. “I’m so sorry.”

  Regin. She would have to tell him what had happened. Looking up, she caught a glimpse of eyes glinting with moisture before finding herself pressed against a warm chest, hands stroking her back.

  “There was nothing more you could do,” he said. “He chose a brave path, and I admire him for it.”

  The stiffness of surprise eased and she felt herself relaxing against him, soothed by his warmth and concern, even as she realised the mistake he’d made. He saw tears and thought Lorkin had died. Curse it. He thinks Lorkin is dead, and he’s upset. She had to let him know otherwise, but a selfish part of her wanted to let this moment last a little longer. He cares about Lorkin. And me...

  Stop it! she told herself. You’ll only end up wanting what you can’t have.

  “It’s fine. He’s fine,” she blurted out. She forced herself to push him away so she could look up at him. “Lorkin’s fine.” She met and held his gaze to show she wasn’t lying. “The Traitors won.”

  Understanding dawned in his eyes. His face reddened a little and he smiled ruefully. Then he frowned again. “Then why...?” His eyes widened. “Dannyl?”

  “He’s fine, too. So are Merria and Tayend. It just that...” She shook her head. “I’ll explain later.”

  She felt his arms loosen. He began to step back. Catching his hands, she squeezed them once before letting go.

  “Thank you.”

  His eyes shone for a moment, then he looked away and his expression became serious. “So what now?”

  She turned to the window. “Osen wants us to find Dannyl. Then we’re to congratulate the queen, tell her our Healers aren’t far away and see if she’ll let us keep a Guild ambassador in Arvice.”

  “How will we find them?”

  “We go in that direction.” She pointed. “At some point we’ll reach the street on which the battle took place. I suspect we’ll know it by the Ashaki bodies. If Dannyl’s observations are a good guide, the street out front leads to the parade that leads to the palace. We’ll find Dannyl in a house on the parade.” She started toward the stairs.

  Regin followed. “It’ll be night soon.”

  As she descended, Sonea wondered at the elation she felt. I shouldn’t be this cheerful. But Lorkin had survived the battle, and the relief she felt was overwhelming. Perhaps she would be able to talk him into coming home now. At that thought she felt worry return. He’ll want to stay with Tyvara. If he’s as in love with her as I was with Akkarin he’ll follow her anywhere. I shouldn’t want to stop him. But she did. And yet, I want him to be happy. I would never want him to suffer what I did.

  Reaching the ground floor, Regin led the way through the house, moving silently and checking for other occupants before he stepped into a corridor or room. They reached the kitchen and peered through the slave entrance to the street beyond. It was empty.

  Sonea moved through, Regin following close behind. The city was quiet, a luminous twilight settling over all as they made their way towards the centre. Once again, Sonea felt conspicuous in her black robes, but they were not as stark against the white walls now as they had been in the morning light. She held a strong shield around them both. The first side street they turned into was also empty, but there were distant figures in the next main street.

  “Well, they’re going to spot us eventually,” Sonea said, then stepped into the street. Regin’s only reply was a chuckle.

  If the people saw them, they were not concerned. No one moved from their position. At the next turn Sonea saw two Traitors further down the street, a man and woman walking arm in arm away from them. From the way they leaned against each other, they were either exhausted or had already enjoyed a celebratory drink. She shrugged and followed, Regin beside her.

  They had only taken twenty steps or so when two more people stepped out of a door, after the Traitors had passed it.
Regin stopped and she heard his breath catch at the same time that she froze, recognising the cut of the men’s jackets and the glint of the knives in their hands.

  Ashaki.

  “Watch out!” she shouted.

  The pair looked over their shoulders, saw the two men and spun about to face them. One of the Ashaki glanced back at Sonea and Regin, then made a dismissive gesture and turned back to the Traitors. The other struck at the woman, who flinched and pushed her companion behind her. They both began to back away.

  “They’re weak,” Regin said. Sonea knew he did not mean the Ashaki, who had seen two Kyralian magicians and remained unconcerned.

  They must have enough strength left to think they can ignore us. Perhaps they’re assuming neither of us could be a black magician, since we’re Kyralian.

  “Are you going to do something?” Regin asked. “Because I can’t stand by and watch them kill those two. Not when the Traitors have won anyway.”

  “I wish we could.” She looked at him. “But that would be interfering.”

  “I’m sure the Traitors would forgive you if you saved two of them.

  “My actions will be taken as actions of the Guild, and the Allied Lands.”

  “Good. I wouldn’t want to belong to a Guild that didn’t help in this situation. Besides, you don’t have to kill the Ashaki. Just scare them off.”

  The two Ashaki had separated and were circling around the two Traitors. The woman looked toward Sonea and Regin, her eyes wide with fear.

  Regin’s right. The Traitors and Guild can sort out the consequences later. Drawing power, she sent it in two strikes at the Ashaki. As they struck, the men staggered, then recovered and turned to face her. The Traitors took the opportunity to flee, running to the corner of the next main street.

  The Ashaki exchanged a look, then one started toward Sonea and Regin. The other hesitated and followed.

  “They don’t look scared,” Sonea observed.