Knight of Wands (A Steampunk Fantasy Adventure Novel) (Devices of War Book 2)

by SM Blooding

  I looked around the docks again. “My mother will not strip all of our airships of their officers. We’ve lost enough airships for one day.”

  “She has more power than you, Synn.” She leapt over the rail and disappeared.

  The ships lining the docks were being tied into place against the wind. Did Mother have any idea how many ships we could lose in these winds? What did Mother want with all of us? What had Marko Dudyk told her? Was she about to undo everything I’d built so far?

  The letharan wall dropped from his medusa high above. The wind no longer tugged and slammed against the airships. The raging waves were pushed back.

  I dropped from the Yusrra Samma and stared in wonder at what I saw. “She’s taking us all below?”

  Isra stood up from where she’d been securing the mooring rope, and glanced toward the belly of the city. “Where is this arena? I want to be on my ship and in my sky.”

  Fear filled me as I watched the waters rise outside the letharan walls. Airships didn’t touch the water or the earth, and technically, we still weren’t. But to have an airship below the water felt a little like caging a sky cat.

  What if Mother stripped me of all the power and respect she’d awarded me? What if she silenced my voice at the council?

  Hala glided through the air above us, her brown wings reflecting pink in the letharan light. Dozens of other falcons joined her.

  I stared at them in longing. I hadn’t even had the opportunity to capture my own and train it. That was a rite of passage, one that I had missed. Doubt flooded me. How could I expect my own people to follow me when I had yet to prove myself?

  That line of thinking was getting me nowhere.

  I pushed my way through the crowd. Had Ino City ever seen this many people on her docks at one time? I doubted it.

  Our crew stayed with the ship, their falcons settling among the trestle trees now that the air had calmed. They chirped to one another, and filled the air with smoke.

  The city was eerily silent as we made our way in one moving mass through the hushed streets and bridges. The sound of our boots hitting the sea-flax planks was all I heard. The men and women on either side of me wore expressions of anger and grief. Their fists clenched, their shoulders square. They didn’t look to one another, only straight ahead.

  I didn’t have time for nagging fear. It didn’t matter if Mother stripped me of power. I didn’t need it. What we needed was justice. Plain and simple.

  The mass of airmen flowed through the city, over the bridges, around the buildings and tents like a black cloud of smoke. The patrons of Ino City watched from their windows and doors. Those who stood at street level reached out to grasp our arms.

  I wrapped my anger around me like a cloak. I couldn’t afford to be swayed. Too many lives were lost, too many homes. We were here to end this kind of madness, not to spur it on.

  A massive table filled the arena. It took up the entire floor, two supporting trunks of the lethara protruding from the middle.

  Many people were already there; landsmen, watermen, letharan men. Not just men. That was just a term. The watermen were predominately women. The letharan people were split about down the middle. The landsmen were mostly male.

  What was Mother planning?

  Mother stood at the far end of the table, watching us arrive, Joshua by her side. He looked uncomfortable, his hands shoved as deep into his pockets as they would go. Keeley stood beside him, her eyes searching. They latched onto me and her expression relaxed.

  Mother grasped my head as soon as I was in arms reach, pulling my forehead to hers. “You are safe.”

  I took her head in my hands, wary of her mood. “I am.” I pulled away. “Why have you called everyone? The airmen need to convene to discuss what happened.”

  She raised her chin, her gaze never leaving mine. “You are young and impetuous. We have initiated an investigation. You need evidence.”

  “Precisely, which is why—”

  “I convened this meeting to ensure you and your airmen did nothing stupid.”

  Anger burned down my arms as smoke rose around me. “Mother—”

  She silenced me with her hand, her gaze falling on my Mark. Her eyes widened, but she blinked and continued. “I have spoken to Marko Dudyk. We will investigate what happened, but—”

  I couldn’t be sure that Marko wasn’t in on this somehow.

  She shook her head. “You had a vision, an idea. As of yet, you haven’t told them what your intentions are.” She raised an eyebrow. “Let tonight be your lesson. Make them understand that we are not gathered to start a war or to kill one another.”

  This wasn’t my fault. Well, not entirely. I closed my eyes, taking in a deep breath. Who would have thought that killing was acceptable in these games? I hadn’t. The thought had never once crossed my mind.

  “Justice can wait.”

  I opened my eyes. I fought to contain my Mark as it threatened to burn through my long coat. “Mother, you didn’t see what happened. Justice cannot—”

  “Those lost are dead. You cannot bring them back.”

  I clenched my jaw.

  She glanced at the multitude of people gathered. “This is unprecedented, my son.”

  Many of the people gathering around the table were haggard, their shoulder slumped, drenched with rain. Landsmen clasped airmen. Letharan tribes comforted the crews still coming in from the docks. Tribal names and pedigrees were forgotten in the face of the night’s sorrow. Mother was right. This was unprecedented.

  I searched for my friends; Haji, Yvette, Keeley and Joshua. Anger fueled me over the atrocity I’d just witnessed and the fact that I could not seek justice.

  Dear Sky, what was I doing?

  Microphones like what we had in the command centers were installed around the table, but not at every chair. Mother motioned for me to take the seat at the end of the oblong table, while she moved to stand behind Oki.

  I met Oki’s dark gaze.

  Her nose crinkled through a sad smile.

  Zara waved to me from further down the table. She sat surrounded by El’Asim. She motioned to the rest of the table and gave me a non-vocal, “Now what? Get on with it already.”

  I sat down, trying to swallow the anger and doubt and form words, the ones they needed to hear. I pulled the microphone to me. My heart pounded as everyone took their chairs.

  There weren’t enough seats for everyone. Several were left to stand. There were definitely more airmen, but that made sense even though our families were smaller. Captains and their seconds were requested and in a Fleet, there were many captains.

  My hands shook. What words did they need to hear?

  People had died for no reason. My purpose was to ensure that didn’t happen again.

  I pushed down the button, willing the right words to come. My heart pounded so hard, I was pretty sure those sitting next to me could hear it. “Tribes of Illona.”

  Everyone around the massive table stopped talking bit by bit, finishing their conversations.

  I pressed the button again. “Tonight was a travesty that should never have happened.”

  That got their attention.

  “It is true that these games were called initially to find a proper mate for my sister, and for your families to find suitable mates as well.”

  Several people looked disgusted, sitting back in their chairs.

  “That has been the tradition of the Families for generations. The time of the Great Families is at an end.”

  Those that had been leaning back in their chairs scooted forward.

  “It is time to create a new . . . ” I didn’t have a word. “We don’t need a new government, or a new governing body. We’ve seen what happens when one ruling entity has too much power.”

  People murmured in agreement all around me.

  “First there were the Priests, then the Arrows, then the Hands. Who would we invite to be next? The Great Families? How do we define who are great? How do define power and st
rength? In numbers? In Mark? Would we be any better?”

  “I would hope so,” Ryo said into his microphone. “We have seen the tyranny of others. We would not inflict that upon anyone else.”

  “Are you sure?” I met my brother’s dark gaze.

  Ryo moved to push down the button and speak again.

  The memory of my last conversation with Nix flashed through my mind. “Do you think the Hands of Tarot started their reign with ideas of inflicting terror?”

  He clenched his jaw and sat back.

  “I want justice for my family!”

  Many of the people around the table agreed with the faceless man who shouted that.

  So did I. I pressed the button and a squawk filled the room.

  People quieted down.

  I licked my lips. “I watched as my father was burned alive.”

  Many people nodded, fists clenched, looking at those around them.

  “I stood by, unable to do anything as an entire Family was decimated, their children forced to watch.”

  Others shifted in their seats.

  “I then watched as those same children were killed because I refused to submit!” How could I show forgiveness when I was still so angry myself?

  Everyone stilled, their eyes on me.

  “They were children, whose entire world had just ended, who had just witnessed the most horrific thing any child possibly could. Were they offered sanctuary? No.” I paused. I’d never talked about this to anyone. Saying the words out loud . . . I swallowed hard. “They were slaughtered.”

  “Then we should have our revenge, our justice!”

  I didn’t know who’d shouted that. “And then what? They would seek revenge on us. Then we would be forced to seek revenge on them. It would never end!”

  Mutters filled the air.

  I slammed my fist against the table. “People of Illona! I am tired of seeing people die for no reason! Why were those airships attacked? Why did someone purposefully damage the air jellies? How many people were killed because of . . . what? To prove himself a fit leader for this council?”

  No one replied, whispered or muttered.

  “I want answers! People lost their homes! Who knows how many were lost today?”

  “A lot,” Joshua interjected. “There are entire ships still unaccounted for.”

  I shook my head. “And to what end? To prove strength? To prove power? If that is the case, then show yourself now!” I stared at everyone I could. “Show the world of leaders, for we are gathered, that you, of all of us, are the most mighty, are the strongest, most powerful!”

  I searched for Iszak’s face, but couldn’t find him. There were just too many people.

  “This was not the work of the Hands! The people we lost had names, families. They were killed by us!”

  Those around the table barely glanced at one another.

  I let the silence sit. I needed to get my own rage under control. Smoke rose around me accompanied by the faint whiff of singed cloth.

  Eosif Novokshorov sat forward at the far end of the table and pushed the button, his voice blaring through the arena. “Vhat is your purpose here, El’Asim? Vhat is your plan?”

  I licked my lips and calmed my Mark. “To bring about a new age, where all are equal, where all have a voice.”

  Several around me shifted. This wasn’t new. They needed to know how that would happen.

  Eosif didn’t even twitch.

  “The days of the Seven Great Families is at an end. The days of the Hands of Tarot are at an end. It is time to decide what new era we wish to build.”

  “And vhat are your thoughts, El’Asim?”

  They were just thoughts, ideas. Maybe stupid ones. “To bring about an era of no ruling government, where people can live in freedom.”

  “At what cost?” one of the landsmen asked. “What will we have to pay for this freedom?”

  “I don’t know.”

  Several people slammed their hands on the table, frustrated.

  “But that is why we are all gathered, people of Illona,” I roared into the microphone. “Because I do not believe that one small set of people can decide this on their own. I am an airman. I know nothing of the land, or of the water. I barely know anything of the letharan.”

  “Why would we follow you?” someone shouted. “You are the El’Asim and a knight of the Hands!”

  That elicited several other things shouted that I couldn’t make out.

  I held up my hand for silence.

  I didn’t get it right away.

  When it was quiet again, I spoke. “I am not a knight.”

  Several people started to talk at the same time.

  I cut them all off. “It was a ruse devised by Nix. She’s playing me. She’s playing us.” I chewed on the words in my mouth, trying to decide what to say next. “I am and will always be El’Asim.”

  That seemed to quiet almost everyone.

  “Then you are gathering an army around you?” a man asked opposite me. “You talk about a council. You speak of negotiations and everyone having a voice, but why should we believe you? You are the El’Asim. You are tainted by people of power. Why should we believe you want anything other than that?”

  I bowed my head, my nostrils flaring. “My father was the El’Asim. I am merely a boy trying to become a man.”

  The other man slouched, glaring around the arena.

  Several of the other people around the table shifted, shaking their heads.

  What could I say to make them understand I meant what I said? “I have entered the competition. I’m fighting to prove myself along with all of you.”

  The man opposite me punched the button of his microphone. “We all know the games are rigged for you to win.”

  I wanted to hit something. “They are not.”

  “Then why are you the only airman who completed his tasks and whose ship came back unscathed?”

  I pressed my thumb into my temple as my head throbbed. “We have the Librarium. The Hands’ technology, a lot of it, could make our lives easier. Imagine if we could make our airships more maneuverable, if we could make our communications more open. What would happen if we were less closeted away? What other things could we learn?”

  “Are you offering to share your library, El’Asim?” someone asked at the far end of the table.

  I didn’t glance at my mother, but I knew she watched me from behind Oki. The library and the fact that she controlled it, was a sense of power for her.

  “Yes.”

  Everyone shifted, murmuring to one another.

  “If we are to become equals, if each tribe is to gain a voice, then the knowledge must be shared.”

  “And how would we work that out?” someone asked into their microphone. “Who will decide how to regulate it so that others aren’t hording it?”

  I nodded to my sister. “Ino Oki will devise a system that will keep the sharing of information fair.”

  People glanced in her direction, but their gaze went to my mother.

  “And what of Ino Nami?” someone close to me asked. “Would she be so willing to share her power?”

  Oki pushed the button down. “She has no voice on this council.” She straightened, visibly mindful of the woman behind her.

  Mother raised her chin, but said nothing.

  Oki continued. “My brother is correct. If this is going to work, we must share the knowledge of the libraries.”

  “But we will need a centralized location to work on our technologies as well,” Joshua said into his microphone. “And tha’ knowledge will have to be shared. Books. Scrolls. As soon as it’s put to paper, it becomes old. The new ideas—” he tapped his head. “They’re in here.”

  Several leaders around the table sat back in thought.

  We weren’t going to make any decisions tonight. “People of Illona,” I said. “From here on out, these games become games of peace. We are not trying to kill one another. We’re not here to prove that a single man or woman sho
uld hold complete power.”

  Every pair of eyes rested on me.

  “We’re here simply to prove that you have a family, tribe, clan, city or fleet whose name deserves to be on this council. No matter how small—” I turned to Joshua and Keeley, “—or how large it might be. No matter how mighty the Mark.”

  People grumbled and shifted.

  “I’m proposing we create a council. A council of peace, where things can be worked out together, for the best interest of everyone.”

  Eosif tipped his head, straightening in his chair, his interest piqued. “Then you are serious about this?”

  “I am.”

  Most of the people around the table appeared thoughtful.

  “Let us create a League of Cities. We rule ourselves.” I blinked, my brain suddenly blank, and sat back.

  The room exploded in conversation.

  Oki smiled at me, listening to something Mother said.

  Ryo nodded, his dark gaze directed in my general area.

  Eosif watched me, his entire body still.

  I closed my eyes and let everyone react. I’d done what I could.

  But justice would be had. We could not allow the actions of tonight pass.

  CHAPTER 24

  THE PEACE GAMES BEGIN

  When I woke late the next morning, I found a note on the table beside my bed. Frowning, I opened it to read that the games for the captains were canceled for the day and that the air games were being rescheduled.

  There was a second letter with the first.

  Synn,

  Thought you’d want to know that the repairs to the other airships are going along smashingly. They should be able to play again soon. Your mother isn’t giving them much time though. The air games will be redone tomorrow. I tried to push back, but she’s one tough woman for having her voice silenced. You might want to talk to your sister about that one. Wouldn’t want to be her. Anyway, you and Ryo were the only two who completed the games, so you’re the only two who don’t have to retest. On the flipside, you’re also under Marko Dudyk’s suspicion, so be bloody careful.

  Joshua

  I had been scheduled to be in the arena all day, but if I was free and clear of those obligations, that meant I could search for evidence to bury Iszac Tokarz. I couldn’t allow last night’s actions to go unanswered. It was true that Mother said she would handle it, but I didn’t trust her. I had to investigate this on my own.