by Diana Green
Hope unfurled in her chest. This might be her chance!
Saba dressed and grabbed robes for the captive outlaws. If she could return them to human form, they would need clothing. Glancing around the chamber, she tried to think what else they might require. Food? Weapons? Unfortunately nothing of that sort lay handy.
Escape must be the priority. She should leave immediately, before anyone came to check on her. The door was kept locked from the outside, but she knew a simple spell to open it—the first one Mari taught her in the hidden valley.
A pang of sorrow pierced Saba at the memory, but she forced herself to focus. Placing a hand on the bronze door handle, she closed her eyes and concentrated, speaking the jinni words for movement and undoing. A little magic flared but dwindled again just as quickly. The lock remained in place.
With her inner sight she watched Sallizahn’s suppression spell tighten like a gleaming red mesh around her, dampening any spells she might try to cast. Her wellspring of arcane energy seemed almost dry. Perhaps the priest’s cleansings had accomplished their intended purpose.
“Great queen,” Saba whispered. “Patroness of magic and healing…please be with me now. I need your help.” She sought that beautiful golden realm where the jinni had appeared to her, awakening the power within.
The vision began to form, wispy and faint at first, but she held on with all her will, until it grew stronger. At last she stood in radiant light, the Viper Queen resplendent before her.
My daughter, you have everything you need to prevail.
“But the purifications have weakened my magic. I can’t overcome Sallizahn’s spell.”
The Viper Queen shook her head. Magic is intrinsic to you, and the priests have no power to banish it. They play with smoke and shadows but cannot harm what is essential to your nature. In this, the sorcerer is mistaken.
“Then why do I feel so empty?”
You have been through many trials. Your heart is weary and sore, but you will heal. You are whole.
Relief welled up in Saba as she recognized the truth of the Viper Queen’s words. Sallizahn had the ability to bind her arcane powers, temporarily. But he couldn’t destroy them. Magic was her birthright.
Slip through the strands of his spell, and it will dissolve. He cannot hold one such as you.
The Viper Queen lightly touched a finger to the center of Saba’s brow. She felt herself shifting and elongating, scales stretching sleek along her sinuous body. She coiled in the jinni’s hands, transformed to a snake, rainbow-colored and shimmering.
Be free, my daughter.
In another instant Saba slid through one of the gaps in the crimson web of Sallizahn’s suppression spell. The arcane threads crackled and pulsed around her, but could find so purchase on her serpentine form. She slithered on beyond their reach. Behind her, the hollow mesh collapsed and faded. She swelled upward, becoming human once more.
“Thank you!” Saba brought a hand to her heart. “I will honor you always, my true queen.”
Opening the locked door took a matter of seconds. She paused to get her bearings then darted down the empty corridor. As she crossed a wide courtyard, sounds of clashing weapons and raised voices carried to her on the breeze. The conflict seemed to be centered toward the front of the palace compound, near the main gates. Fortunately the aviary lay in a different direction.
Saba wasted no time running there. Bewildered servants and palace guards hurried this way and that, but none of them paid her any attention. The palace buzzed like an overturned beehive, set off by the Padishah’s troops arriving.
Heart pounding Saba reached the aviary and quickly found the enclosure holding three pigeons. She felt certain there had been five in Sallizahn’s net, on that terrible evening in the hidden valley. Had two of them died?
Her stomach roiled with panic. The thought of Jehan gone from her forever was too painful to bear. She couldn’t be too late!
“I’m going to let you out,” she said, voice shaking. “Then I’ll turn you back into humans. We can escape in the confusion, while my father’s soldiers are busy.” Speaking the words as if they were fact helped calm her. Everything was going to be all right. She could do this.
As soon as Saba got the cage door open, all three pigeons hopped out, gathering at her feet. They looked up expectantly.
“It may take a few minutes,” she warned. “I’ve only done this once before.”
Saba sat cross-legged on the ground, closing her eyes and breathing deeply. Her magic seemed to flow strongest when she accessed the domain of her jinni visions, so she started there. Blocking out all distractions, she focused on entering that lucent realm.
At first she couldn’t forge a connection to the place. It evaded her, as she tried again and again to send her awareness there. Gradually understanding dawned. Her visions didn’t reside ‘somewhere else’ but within her. The journey must be inward, not away.
With that realization, the process became easier. Soon golden glowing mists swirled around her, rippling with arcane power. She drew on this now familiar source, calling up her inborn knowledge.
We are with you.
The voices of Mari and the Viper Queen—her spiritual mothers—spoke together in Saba’s mind. Their presence filled her awareness, reassuring, empowering, and washing away uncertainty. She was not lost or alone but had come home in the most resonant sense of the word.
Saba, Mari, and the Viper Queen worked as one, reweaving the arcane threads holding the transformation spell in place. Their actions flew outward, reaching not only the three enchanted pigeons close by but those still hiding in the southern hills. Saba felt them all shifting to human again, their energy releasing back to its natural form, like a great sigh of relief.
She opened her eyes to see Jehan, Otenyo, and Ilfahn looking dazed. All three had injuries, which she could work on healing…later. The depth of her exhaustion suddenly became evident, as dark spots swirled in her vision, and she tilted forwards.
“Whoa there, I’ve got you.” Jehan knelt, holding Saba with her one good arm. “Are you going to be all right?”
“Magic is tiring,” she murmured, melting into her lover’s embrace. “But I’ll recover.” Tears pricked her eyes. “I’m so glad you’re alive! I thought I’d lost you.”
“I thought the same thing.” Jehan’s voice cracked with emotion. “It was the worst feeling in the world.” Otenyo dropped a robe over her shoulders, but she ignored him, gaze locked with Saba’s. “I love you.” Tears shone glossy in her amber eyes. “That’s what I realized…and I want you to know, without any doubt.”
Saba’s heart swelled. “I love you too.” The two women kissed, savoring the bliss of finding each other again.
Ilfahn cleared his throat loudly. “I hate to break up this heartwarming reunion, but shouldn’t we get moving?”
Saba regretfully stopped kissing Jehan and considered their next step. “I think our best chance is a small gate at the back of the compound. It’s where servants come and go for errands in the city.”
“Lead on,” Otenyo encouraged, as the two women stood up.
Jehan struggled putting on the robe, her broken arm clearly hurting. Saba assisted her with dressing, fashioning a temporary sling from a wide decorative sash.
She accepted help in return, as they made their way toward the rear of the aviary. In her depleted state haste proved impossible, and simply staying upright required effort. She leaned on Jehan, grateful for the support.
Just as the four of them reached the archway to the next courtyard, Lord Sallizahn stepped in their way.
“I thought I’d find you here, Amira.” The sorcerer’s gaze skimmed over the three outlaws, pausing briefly on Jehan who stood shoulder to shoulder with Saba. “Why do you keep returning to these vermin? They are beneath you.”
“Please,” Saba said. “Just let us go. I don’t want to marry you.”
Sallizahn shook his head. “You don’t know what you want. You’re young, confus
ed, and much in need of a strong hand.”
She started to retreat, but the sorcerer lifted his arms, rapidly uttering a spell. Magic like jade-colored fireflies flickered over the four fugitives, locking them in place, their heels rooted to the ground.
Chapter Twenty
“No!” Saba cried, desperately trying to lift either foot. “Don’t do this, Sallizahn. We could never be happy together.”
“And why is that?”
“I love someone else.”
He waved a dismissive hand. “Feelings can be altered, just like memories.”
Saba recoiled at his words, searching her mind for some way to convince him. An idea struck her.
“I’m no longer a virgin.” She lifted her chin, and spoke boldly. “I’ve given myself to another and can never be yours.”
“Impossible.” The sorcerer’s face darkened with aggravation. “The warding would have alerted me if you lay with a man.”
“But I’m not a man,” Jehan said, eyes narrowing. “She’s free to choose whoever she wants. You have no claim to her.”
Sallizahn appeared momentarily puzzled then comprehension dawned. He had lost Saba to another, in the worst way he could imagine.
Rage contorted his face as he snarled at Jehan. “Abomination! Filthy temptress! You’ve taken what’s rightfully mine!” He hurled a bolt of sizzling white energy through the air.
Saba acted on pure instinct to shield her beloved. Heedless of consequences, she lunged sideways in front of Jehan. While her feet could not move, her upper body passed directly in the path of the murderous spell.
As the arcane lightning touched her chest, Saba’s warding triggered, deflecting the lethal charge and blasting it backwards. It rebounded almost instantly onto Sallizahn, before he could raise a defense.
Blinding light enveloped him. He screamed once and fell silent. The magical fire diminished, leaving only a smoking lump of ash, roughly human-sized but otherwise unrecognizable.
They all stared, shocked by what had happened.
“Well…that was exciting,” Otenyo said, cautiously taking one step forward and then another. “At least we can walk again.”
“Sallizahn’s binding spell must have ended with his death,” Saba responded, averting her gaze from the charred and smoldering heap. “It seems fitting somehow. The warding he cast on me, at the beginning of all this, is the very thing that killed him. In essence, he died by his own hand.”
“Is the warding still in place?” Jehan asked.
Saba closed her eyes, scanning with her inner sight. “No. It’s gone.”
Intense relief mingled with fatigue overwhelmed her. She held tightly to Jehan so as not to topple over, her vision darkening and ears ringing.
“I think I need to sit down.” Saba swayed, her legs turning to jelly.
Jehan and Otenyo helped ease her into a reclining position, propped against the trunk of a nearby cypress tree. Concern shadowed their faces as they crouched beside her.
“We can’t just wait around here,” Ilfahn grumbled. “I won’t be put in another cage…not for anyone, even you.” This last statement he directed at Jehan.
“You should leave now, while you still can,” she agreed, glancing up at him then across at Otenyo. “Both of you...go. I’ll stay with Saba.”
“Are you sure?” Otenyo sounded genuinely conflicted.
“Yes. There’s nothing to be gained by risking your freedom. Get out while you have the chance.”
“Will the band be forming up again?”
Jehan shook her head. “Not under my leadership. I’ve had enough.”
“In that case, I’m definitely going,” Ilfahn said, jogging off through the arch in the courtyard wall.
Otenyo sighed. “I guess I’d better follow him. I won’t do much good here, especially if I’m captured. The Nissian high council still wants my head on a platter.” He clasped Jehan’s hand, flashing a sudden grin. “It’s been fun. And maybe we’ll meet again.”
Saba watched him bound away, fear clenching her heart.
“You should go too,” she told Jehan, hating the words even as she spoke them. “I don’t know who will come out on top of this conflict, my father or the Padishah, but either way you’re an outlaw. Your life is in danger if you remain here, and I’m not fit to travel.”
“Nothing could make me leave you.” Jehan held Saba’s gaze, her eyes beautiful and fierce. “Whatever unfolds, we’ll face it together.” She shifted into a more comfortable position, clearly ready to wait as long as needed. “Try to get some rest. I’ll keep watch.”
Saba could see there was no use arguing, and she didn’t really want to. Instead, she closed her eyes, focusing on deep calming breaths and drawing healing energy into her body. The sooner she recovered, the sooner they could get moving again. Hopefully nothing dire happened in the meantime.
The minutes passed slowly as she continued to pull restorative energy up from the ground, grateful for Jehan’s presence beside her. The sounds of battle gradually quieted, and Saba began to feel more stable.
“I think I can try walking now,” she said, opening her eyes.
As Jehan helped her stand up, a young servant in the Padishah’s red and gold livery dashed across the square. He saw them under the cypress tree and hurried over.
“Are you Amira Saba?” Sweat beaded his brow, and he panted like an overheated puppy.
She nodded, blurting out the one question foremost in her mind. “Has my father been arrested?”
“Yes. He is charged with high treason.” The servant glanced from Saba to Jehan. “I must ask that you and your companion follow me. His most exalted majesty wishes to speak with you.”
“Then he can send a sedan chair,” Jehan countered. “Amira Saba is not well and cannot be expected to walk any distance.”
“Ah. I didn’t realize.” The servant glanced around nervously. “If I go fetch one, will you promise to stay where you are? The Padishah is most anxious to thank you for all you’ve done.”
“We will be here,” Saba answered, reassured about the Padishah’s intent. If he wished to show his gratitude, she had a plan in mind.
Without delay a sedan chair was brought, and she climbed in. Jehan took up position walking beside her as they passed through the palace compound. Saba noticed an impressive number of soldiers in the royal red and gold, with barely a sign of Tarjene’s blue and ivory uniforms. Order was swiftly being restored under the new command.
Lord Hassan, a high ranking general, and Padishah Muktar Kah Muhehnad all awaited Saba in her father’s chambers. After she made the proper bows and greetings—with Jehan carefully following her lead—the group transitioned to less formal interactions. Hassan came forward and hugged his niece, praising her actions.
“You are a wonder,” he enthused. “We’ve suspected Asab for some time but never had solid proof.”
“To that end,” the Padishah said, “I’m hoping you can show me where your father keeps important documents.”
His most exalted majesty was a slightly built man who carried himself with dignity and assurance. Saba read intelligence in his eyes and possibly a hint of kindness. She sensed no hidden agenda or threat in his presence.
“My father keeps private papers in his desk.” She opened the secret compartment and handed him the contents. The Padishah leafed through the pile, stopping once or twice to read sections more thoroughly.
“This is exactly what I need,” he confirmed, offering Saba a tight smile. “Now I know all who plotted against me and what they planned. Heads will roll for this, you can be sure.”
“Can I assume you stopped my father’s agent before he harmed anyone?”
“Indeed. We apprehended Sahsur on his way through Arahjhan, with the potion of disguise in his possession.” The Padishah’s voice and expression warmed. “Your message arrived just in time. I can never thank you enough.”
“I’m glad I could be of service, your majesty.” Saba took a deep breath, steeli
ng her nerve. “Might I ask a boon, as is traditional in these circumstances?”
“Of course! I intend to reward your actions generously.”
She glanced at Jehan who held herself tense and alert, as if ready fight or flee at any moment. If this gamble proved successful, their future together would be much easier.
Saba met the Padishah’s curious gaze. “I ask that you pardon Jehan Nah Kahlil of all crimes listed on her bounty. My father unjustly executed her father when she was a child, leaving her orphaned. She was forced to survive by any means available, including banditry. Now she wishes to leave that behind and forge an honest livelihood breeding and training horses…at which she is exceptionally gifted.”
Jehan reached over to squeeze Saba’s hand, sending her a quick smile of gratitude.
The Padishah appeared caught off guard by this request. He frowned, studying Jehan before speaking. “Am I to understand you’re the daughter of Kahlil Kah Cemahl, the renowned horse master?”
“Yes. He protested the pasha’s sacrifice of four stallions and was beheaded for speaking out.” Jehan’s voice held a grim edge. “No one would take me in after his death, for fear of drawing the pasha’s attention.”
“Ah, yes. I believe I heard of the incident…a most unfortunate miscarriage of justice.” The Padishah considered, stroking his graying beard. “I don’t make a habit of interfering with regional politics, but in this case a correction seems appropriate. I grant full pardon, so long as you leave this province and commit no further crimes.” He turned to Saba. “Will that suffice?”
“Yes! Thank you!” She felt a weight lift off her chest. Beside her, Jehan grinned broadly.
At this point, Hassan approached the Padishah and spoke quietly to him. The two men put their heads together, voices pitched too low for Saba to hear. What were they talking about? Surely her uncle wouldn’t dispute Jehan’s pardon? The suspense was almost unbearable.
At last the Padishah finished conferring with Hassan and turned to address Saba once more. “Your uncle has rightly pointed out that I owe you a tremendous debt. Not only did you save the lives of my son, his wife, and their unborn baby, but you handed me the names and proof I need to crush your father’s alliance. The value of such service is immeasurable.”
