The Temple of Sacrifice

by Tameri Etherton

  A sharp pain in her wrist stopped her from reaching out to Rhoane. A new rune in the clear shape of a dragon was etched into her skin. She traced the new rune, then the others. They glowed as they always had, which she hoped meant she was still bound to Rhoane. The thought came unbidden—did he still want her? She had, after all, abandoned him.

  Chapter Thirty-Five

  Sabina awoke screaming and Hayden wrapped his arms around her, making shushing noises, his limbs trembling. She’d not had a night fright since before they left Talaith for Celyn Eryri—he didn’t welcome Kaldaar’s return to their lives.

  She huddled against him, her muffled sobs breaking his heart. No matter how skilled he became with ShantiMari or the sword, he could not protect his love from the banished god. “Sabina, what is it?” he coaxed once her cries quieted.

  “I saw Taryn surrounded by blackness, injured and frightened. I couldn’t reach her. I couldn’t reach her.” Sabina dissolved to tears and he rocked her, stroking her hair.

  On rare occasions, Sabina had flashes of future events. More sensations rather than full visions, but they nearly always came true. If she feared for Taryn, then his cousin was in danger.

  Taryn. He cast the thought west, not knowing exactly where she was, but having a vague idea.

  Silence answered him.

  Taryn, please speak to me. Sabina and I are worried about you.

  Silence.

  “What if her father—” Sabina cut off her words, a shiver slicing through her. Hayden rubbed her arms and back, warming her. “We must find her, Hayden.”

  “Rhoane left a few days ago. Perhaps he is searching for her.”

  Even Iselt was gone, having left on Adesh’s ship the previous morning. He could ask Baehlon or Denzil to search for Taryn, but where would they look? Aelinae was too large to find one woman, a horse, and a grierbas.

  Neither he nor Sabina slept the rest of the night—instead, they lay curled in each other’s arms. When the morning light shone through her windows, Hayden threw off the covers, but she reached for him.

  “Stay. I don’t care what the empress or anyone else thinks.” She patted the mattress and he resumed his place beside her, relieved they no longer had to hide this part of their relationship.

  Later that day, they met with Faelara and the younger princesses. Sabina told the trio of her vision, elaborating with chilling details that set Hayden’s hairs on end.

  “A great beast tracks her, but there is a light protecting her. Not ShantiMari, but something else. Silver in color, with shimmering hues of the rainbow. I also sensed a presence with her, a gnarled affliction. Whether this is the beast or not, I cannot say. But it is close to Taryn.”

  “What about Kaida? Is she still with our sister?” Tears glistened in Tessa’s pretty eyes.

  “I can’t say. My visions are flashes of nonsense that I must piece together. Kaida has never shown herself to me.”

  Baehlon joined them and they recapped their conversation for the knight. His usually stern expression pinched with suppressed rage. His lips tightened to a thin line, turning dangerously white.

  “We’ll send a note to Duke Anje and ask him to search along the less traveled roads from Paderau to the Dierlin Pass. If she has left Caer Idris, we should find her there. If she’s still with her father, Dal Ferran itself will befall the man if he has hurt his daughter.”

  “What of us? We can’t stay here and pretend nothing is wrong. We must search for her. Someone needs to go to Caer Idris and confront Valterys.”

  “No, Faelara.” Baehlon’s voice lowered to a gentle baritone. “We stay here where we can watch the empress and Marissa. If they know of Taryn’s whereabouts, we’ll find a way to uncover it from them.”

  “Tessa and Eliahnna, visit with your sister. Take tea with her as often as she allows. She’s secluded herself since the Light Celebrations and will appreciate the company, but don’t bring up Taryn by name. In fact, if you can convince her you’re upset with your sister, then perhaps she will share what she knows. It’s doubtful, but we must try.”

  “Yes, Lady Faelara, we will.” Eliahnna answered for both of them. “Are you yet in Mother’s good graces?”

  “As a matter of fact, I am. We are to stroll the gardens together this afternoon.”

  Plans made for the women, Hayden excused himself, with Baehlon following close behind. The knight’s presence unnerved him. He’d wanted to slip out of the palace to speak with Adesh, with the hopes of meeting Denzil along the way. If Baehlon insisted on joining him, he’d have to alter his course.

  When they reached the side door, Hayden asked innocently, “Will you be training this afternoon?”

  Baehlon shook his head and tiny bells sounded. “There’s a man I want to see.” His gaze rested on Hayden. “It’s not the sort of place a lord should be found.”

  “Then I shan’t disturb your errand.”

  Hayden debated for only a moment before deciding his task could wait. When Baehlon reached the palace gates, he fell in step a good distance behind the man. He strolled along the cobbled walk, hands tucked in his pockets, whistling a soft tune. Instead of turning toward the docks, Baehlon circled up a tree-lined avenue in a modest neighborhood.

  The well-kept houses boasted small gardens with a few hardy buds pushing through the soggy soil. A few horses clomped their way down the street, their riders clad in light cloaks to ward off the lingering chill. The dregs of Frost End clung to their days with surprising tenacity. Hayden welcomed summer’s warm embrace, having been too long at Celyn Eryri and the bitter cold. He shoved his hands deeper in his pockets and tilted his head toward the ground lest he be recognized.

  About midway along the lane, Baehlon ducked beneath an arbor and hastened his steps to the side of a handsome home. Hayden waited behind a tree for several minutes until certain it was safe to venture forth. He kept close to the wall, his cloak shushing against the wooden slats. Baehlon’s voice sounded from a short distance above him and he stilled, listening for movement outside the house. Creaking floorboards and the hard stomp of the knight’s boots were followed by lighter footsteps.

  He pressed himself closer to the window, grateful for the slight opening.

  A third pair of footsteps joined the other two and Baehlon’s baritone filled the space. “It’s about time, Denzil. Do you mean to keep us waiting all day?”

  Hayden’s mind whirled. Baehlon and Denzil hated each other.

  “Stop your bellowing. You’ve naught been here but a moment. I saw you approach and waited until it was safe.”

  “Would either of you like something to drink? Tea? Or perhaps something stronger? We have ale or trisp. Some wine?”

  He recognized Tarro’s voice immediately. This must be his home, but why would he allow Baehlon and his brother to meet there? The questions were piling upon themselves, with no answers coming forward.

  “No, thank you, Tarro. I won’t be long.” That was Baehlon. “What news have you?”

  Hasty whispers warned Hayden a moment too late. A brawny hand clasped his shoulder and he glanced upwards where three amused faces stared at him.

  “Would you like some tea?” Tarro offered genially.

  “I would, thank you.” Hayden traipsed to the back door, where the tailor met him with a steaming cup in his hand. He hadn’t been serious about the tea but took it from the man with a mumbled thanks. That he’d been discovered chafed.

  “As I was telling Denzil here, the first rule of espionage is make certain no one else is following the person you’re interested in. Right, brother?”

  Denzil lifted his chin and the tiny bells in his sculpted beard jingled. Now that he saw them together, he could detect similarities in their features, namely their almond-shaped eyes and the broad expanse of chest that led to muscled arms, but beyond that, they were as different as could be. Denzil didn’t have Baehlon’s height, nor his serious demeanor. The mercenary’s eyes danced with inner mischief and a smile rarely left his face.
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  “Aye. But he’s green, this one. Unschooled in the ways of the world.”

  Hayden opened his mouth to argue, but they were right. His books, not experience, taught him much of what he knew. “Then teach me to be a spy.”

  The brothers laughed, a hearty sound that shook the timbered walls of Tarro’s home. “You are a scholar, young Hayden, not a warrior or spy. Perhaps it’s best if it stay that way.”

  “No, I’m serious. The world is becoming more complex and I could benefit from anything you might impart to me.”

  Denzil stroked his goatee, lips pursed in thought. “You know, the boy might be onto something. The princess is rather fond of him. If he insists on sticking his nose where it doesn’t belong, he will most likely get himself killed.”

  “I’m proficient with a sword and ShantiMari,” Hayden argued. “I can protect myself.”

  “Yes, but the world is full of thieves and murderers who are skilled at avoiding both. I’ll do what I can, as will Denzil, and when Ebus returns, we’ll have him teach you a few tricks. But I tell you true, you are a lord, not a spy. Never think otherwise.”

  Hayden understood what he wasn’t saying. If anything happened to Zakael, the duke was next in line to inherit the Obsidian Throne. His father had told him on several occasions he would decline, passing the title to Hayden.

  “Gentlemen,” Tarro interrupted, “our time grows short.”

  “Yes, of course.” Baehlon glanced up the stairs before raising an eyebrow at the tailor. “Is he not at work?”

  “He is, but others will be coming home and none of you should be seen here. Least of all you, my lord.”

  “Then let’s get to it, shall we?” Denzil offered. “As for news, I have some to report.” He withdrew a paper from inside his heavy coat and handed it to Baehlon. “Proof the empress is forcing the taxes upon the Summerlands and the Danuri. It appears she tried to bribe the Geigan, but they have little interest in her gold. Dealing mostly in leather goods and minerals, they work closely with the Artagh, who also refused the empress. Ulla, however, is under her protection. For what reason, we’ve yet to decipher.”

  “And the reason for the increased taxes?” Hayden asked. He had several working theories, but no way to corroborate any of them.

  “It’s simple, really. She wishes to weaken the other kingdoms’ economies.”

  “But why?” Tarro asked.

  Two facts popped into Hayden’s mind—Tarro worked for the empress, and his lover was from the Summerlands. Surely his loyalties were to his lover and not the empress. Otherwise Hayden doubted Baehlon would trust him enough to meet in his home.

  He surveyed the room, noting the expensive trinkets scattered on tables and shelves. A tailor could not afford such luxuries, but one of the most popular whores in Talaith could. Or, they were gifts from clients. Hayden met Tarro’s amused gaze, puzzled at exactly how it worked—being the lover of a whore.

  “Quite well, actually,” Tarro answered the unspoken question.

  Embarrassed, Hayden blustered an apology, but Tarro smiled genially. “You are not the first to wonder, nor the last. Yes, it’s tiresome at times, but mostly, I don’t dwell on what he does for a living.”

  “If you’re finished?” Baehlon interrupted. “I believe the question was why is Lliandra draining the Summerlands and Danuri economies. Any thoughts?”

  “To fill her coffers, of course.” Denzil grunted. “The gods know she doesn’t pay for shite, and the money has to be going somewhere.”

  “Not only to make her kingdom wealthier,” Hayden began, “but as you said, to weaken the other kingdoms. I have a theory, but it’s treasonous to think.”

  “And our little tea party is what, exactly?”

  “Good point, Baehlon. I believe the empress is fading. She is stocking her treasury with coin for Marissa’s rule, yes, but she’s weakening two of the largest economies. Why? When Marissa takes the throne, she will cast aside her mother’s taxes, apologizing for the wicked deeds of her predecessor and make amends to the Summerlands and Danuri.”

  “Interesting theory, but what about Ulla?”

  “My brother has a point, Hayden. Why protect the desert kingdom?” Baehlon insisted.

  “I haven’t sorted that out yet, but I believe it has something to do with Ulla’s proximity to the Narthvier. Taryn is, after all, linked to the people of the great forest. If Lliandra thinks there’s any way she can coerce her daughter to turn against the Eleri, she has an army at their doorstep.”

  “She wouldn’t!”

  “I believe she would, Tarro. Fortunately for us, I know my cousin better than her mother. Taryn would never betray Rhoane’s people.”

  The thought of Taryn pinched his heart. He’d tried several more times to contact her, each receiving no reply.

  They ended the meeting with promises to keep one another abreast of any developments. For his part, Tarro took pains to make certain his guests left the house undetected. His skill with ShantiMari was minimal, but his ability to distract passersby with his flamboyant personality more than made up for the lack of power.

  Hayden left first, skirting the edge of the lane where trees provided ample shadows in the late evening light. When he reached the crossroad that led to the marketplace, he hesitated, deciding he’d visit with Adesh another day. The sun dipped close to the ocean when he reached the palace gates and he veered left toward the gardens instead of entering the massive building.

  Sunset was his favorite time of day. The setting of the sun and rising of the moon reminded him of lovers cast apart for all time. Only a few times per season were they permitted to share the same sky, their orbs close, but not touching. It was a sad tale of unrequited love, and yet he thought the sun and moon were not unhappy in the arrangement. If anything, they were hopeful. Every morning and every evening they rose with the hope they would be together at last.

  You should write a story about the sun and moon, my poetic cousin.

  Taryn! Hayden almost spun around, hoping to find her standing behind him. Are you well? We’ve been so worried.

  I’m well and will be in Paderau soon.

  Something happened. Sabina had a vision—you were surrounded by blackness and in pain.

  Tell Sabina there is no need to worry.

  When will you be home?

  Silence stretched between them and Hayden feared he’d lost her.

  Soon. There are a few things I need to do first. Is everyone…

  Her voice caught and he detected a slight sob in her thoughts.

  Is everyone well in Talaith?

  We miss you, but yes, we are well. He concentrated hard on the next words he spoke silently. You are loved and needed by all of your friends.

  Thank you, my sweet cousin. I miss you more than words can say.

  Give Father my regards. I hope to see you before the twin moons.

  I will. He sensed her drifting off, but then her laughter echoed in his mind.

  What of the twin moons, eh? Does the sun romance them both?

  Another voice distracted him, and he thought he heard her speaking Eleri before her laughter died away and the connection ended.

  He stood resolute at the seawall until the last of the sun’s rays winked out and the moon rose in the west. Two moons for one sun! What a ninny he was, waxing poetic on the celestial cycle. Perhaps Baehlon was right—he was not fit to be a spy. His weapon was intellect, of that he had no doubt.

  Sabina’s soft voice interrupted his thoughts and he wrapped an arm around her shoulder, not having heard her approach, but happy for the company. She would be well pleased to know Taryn was safe, but for the moment, he wanted to share the eventide with his love. Lights twinkled under the moon’s steady gaze and the scent of night blooming flowers perfumed the air.

  Hayden turned Sabina to face him and cupped her cheek in his palm. “I love you, Princess Sabina of the Summerlands. More than the sun loves the moon, more than the stars in the sky. Your intelligence, your smile
, the way you toss your hair and stomp your pretty feet when you aren’t getting your way. They are as dear to me as breath itself. I don’t ever want to be without you. Please say you’ll marry me.”

  Tears shimmered in her eyes and spilled over her lovely cheeks, wetting his hand. “I’m sorry, Hayden, but I cannot.”

  Chapter Thirty-Six

  They saw no more of Zakael through the Dierlin Pass nor on the road to Paderau. Kaida predicted they wouldn’t see him again anytime soon. At least not alone. They rode only during the day and stayed at an inn or farmstead whenever possible. She avoided her manor house and Ravenwood, certain they would be watched for her arrival.

  In addition to searching the skies for Zakael, Taryn kept alert to any sign of the Shadow Assassin. From the way Valterys questioned Lliandra’s men, she suspected he wasn’t the one behind the attacks. If he were, he knew where Taryn was headed and certainly would’ve sent the assassin after her. Still, she wasn’t taking any chances.

  Taryn had not sent word to anyone regarding her whereabouts for fear the message would be intercepted. Her communication with Hayden was a risk, but the worry she sensed in each of his calls alarmed her. She risked the one communication and hoped she’d not been discovered.

  When they crested the ridge and Taryn saw Paderau beyond the city walls, she hugged Gian to her. He gestured them forward with agitated excitement.

  “Eager for a warm meal and soft mattress, are you?” she joked. He nodded, pointing toward Paderau. “Patience, my friend. Niko’s had a long ride.” Encouraged by a warm stall and fresh oats, Nikosana quickened his pace, with Kaida loping alongside them.

  Gian gaped in wide-eyed wonder as they passed through the new city and into the older section of Paderau. It wasn’t so long ago she had the same expression on her face when she first entered the city walls. When they turned onto the boulevard leading to the palace, he twisted right and then left to look at the fine homes.

  “Just wait until you see Talaith. Paderau is pretty, but the capital city is gorgeous,” Taryn whispered in his ear.