Shades of Redemption (Mists of the Fae Book 3)

by Jaime Marks

  “It’s not that I don’t follow the rules but I don’t take any shit.” Dracyn smirked. “If someone is gonna step up in my face they’ll get knocked right back down.”

  “By all means, son, please explain to me how you needed to rough up a ten year old boy to avoid taking any ‘shit’.” His eyes drilled into the boy, the annoyance clear in his face but he continued to toss that dagger in the air never missing a beat or fumbling with it.

  “He got in my face so I took him down.” The boy shrugged nonchalantly. “He thought he could make a name for himself or something I guess.”

  “Is that what you witnessed, Liaison Byryn?” Marcus’ eyes never left the boy and he began to fidget under the scrutiny.

  “What I witnessed was Dracyn holding the unawakened Trilyn by the throat against the wall, Praetor.” Byryn replied factually.

  “Well yeah, I made sure he knew I wasn’t gonna take any more of his shit so he knew better than to do it again.” It was a classic Shade answer really, all justification but no substance. Grifyn watched as the boy continued fidgeting despite the cool tone to his voice but Marcus remained calm, his gaze fixed on the boy, flipping the dagger.

  “Was the incident investigated, Liaison?” Marcus prompted studying Dracyn with that calculating gaze of his.

  “Witnesses claimed that Trilyn had tripped and bumped into Dracyn but quickly apologized. The Guardians confirmed their stories and felt it was a case of intimidation.”

  Marcus didn’t react he just kept flipping that dagger. “I understand that Liaison Byryn has well made it clear that he is not going to tolerate any of your ‘shit’ either, am I correct?”

  “Yes, Praetor.” The boy grudgingly looked down but anger filled him, not shame. It was dangerous. Dracyn needed to be closely monitored.

  “So then why am I hearing that there was an altercation in the female’s corridors as well?”

  “Look, for real, nothing happened with Felycia, Byr-”

  “Liaison Byryn.” Marcus corrected sternly meeting his eyes directly.

  “Uh, Liaison Byryn,” Dracyn hesitated, “is Felycia’s older brother so he’s a bit overprotective. I took a shortcut through the corridor and ran into her is all.”

  “Hmmm. Do you think me a fool, Dracyn? Do you think that you can manipulate me?”

  The boy swallowed hard, “No Praetor.”

  “Good, because I will tell you what I believe happened.” Marcus caught the dagger as he slowly rose to his full height and stared the boy down, pointing the dagger at him as he continued to speak. “I think you went into that corridor intentionally looking for some entertainment. I think you ran into Felycia and attempted to dominate her but found that she is not the meek, timid female that you expected her to be. Instead you got more than you bargained for. And I know, Dracyn, that you are trying my patience.” He stabbed the dagger down hard into the desk in front of the boy making him jump. Its impact echoed through the room.

  “I may not be my brother, but I am well aware of what he would do to you if you so much as considered stepping out of line under his command. Do you know what Supryn Cymeryn would do to you, boy?”

  He gulped and nodded, “Yes, Praetor Marcus.”

  “Then let me make myself clear, I will not tolerate this behavior in the Palace Lunya any longer. If I hear so much as a rumor that you have stepped out of line, I will ensure you do not forget the punishment you endure at my hands before I deliver you to mine blooded twin’s hands myself. I doubt he will be so understanding of the choices you have made in seeking your Redemption as I have been of your inclinations to continue to act as Shade. Are we clear?”

  “Y-, yes Praetor.” The boy looked at his feet.

  “You are remanded to your corridor save for classes until we see some change in your attitude, and you will be meeting either myself or Second in Line Grifyn for training every noon, Dracyn. I would get rest this eve, the workouts will be grueling. Redemption is a choice you must make, not an easy gift. Prove to me you have the discipline for it. Dismissed.”

  “I will escort him back to his hall if it serves, Praetor.” Byryn bowed.

  “Indeed, but do not be long we need to discuss some matters before the meeting this eve.”

  Byryn nodded and led Dracyn from the room.

  “Well, at least you didn’t try to kill him like you did when you met Byryn.” Grifyn scoffed.

  Marcus smiled coyly. “There was no cause for force and I didn’t try to kill Byryn just tested him. I’m not beyond using Cymeryn’s reputation or our shared visage when it suits.”

  “Obviously, but that is not the reason I’m here, Marcus.” Grifyn slipped into the chair Dracyn had occupied. “Where were the two of you this noon? We were supposed to meet and neither of you were anywhere to be found.”

  “Taking a much needed reprieve in one another’s company.” Marcus leaned back in his chair. “Believe me, it was better for the entire compound that we both disappeared for a while, but before you begin with your lecture, Grifyn, I do understand that it can’t become a regular occurrence and it was not my intention.”

  “Do you think changing her guards would help?” He sighed.

  Marcus laughed. “Do you? She has been doing this since she was five whether she had guards or not. She used to give us the slip just as easily. If I couldn’t follow her essence so easily I would not even be able to find her. If changing her Personal Guard would make any difference I would have changed them already. Although I won’t deny that I take great joy in hunting her down myself.”

  Grifyn shook his head in disapproval mainly to bite back the smile. Seeing Marcus so much like his old self was a relief, although his little display with Dracyn was admittedly unsettling. Sometimes these days he pulled off Cymeryn a little too well. “Could you at least make an effort to inform me or Kato so it at least appears you have scheduled the time and have not simply gone missing? Imagine if Mythos were here, Marcus. The entirety of the two Kingdoms would be up in arms. I know this is a small community as of yet but the disruption would still be great and we continue to grow daily. In the coming months it will be more and more of an issue.”

  “I will endeavor to make the effort to give you some sort of sign.” Marcus nodded in concession. “And please have the patrols extended to the cliff face at the exterior of the Palace. There are more hidden entrance ways than I care to know. I promised Reyana we would not completely block her way to this one as she is quite fond of it and it is a sacred place, but the Palace still needs to be secure.”

  Grifyn shook his head with a smile. “Where did that annoying little sprite take her this time?”

  “A hidden cavern full of colorful trees with a quaint little brook inhabited with faeries and unicorns.” Marcus smiled as Grifyn breathed deeply. “They are indeed gallant steeds.”

  “I had always wondered if you and Cymeryn had actually seen one the day of her birth. No one else had ever ventured to but you were never one for far reaching stories, Marcus.”

  “We did, my friend. I believe they are connected to her in some way, as most of the mythological creatures of the territories are connected to either Lucerna or Lazurys. She has a way with the animals we encounter in these Sanctuaries.”

  “She has a way with everyone and everything she touches, Marcus. That’s why they follow her so easily. I’m told the Kingdom of Light has been looking forward to her next address. Things have eased some amongst our people since she was presented to them. It also did not hurt that she performed the miracle of Redeeming a Shade the eve I claimed Byryn and mated Trina. Nor that she disappeared in a Divine Light for all that were present to see during her coronation. Those who were here bore witness and passed word once they returned to the Kingdom and the fronts. They are calling her a miracle of salvation.”

  “Yes, I’ve heard.” Marcus stared off into the distance considering it all. “Devyn has sent word requesting an audience. It is rumored that they wish to request she address the Guardians under h
is command but we both know she cannot be allowed to venture to the fronts. There is no way to protect her enough to justify the risk.”

  “Devyn would know that. There has to be something else he is seeking.”

  “Yes, I had considered that as well.” Marcus sat forward and pulled the Dagger from his desk studying it thoughtfully. It was the Luxyn Dagger given to all initiates of the Luxyn Order. Grifyn himself had one on his mantle. “At any rate, I am granting his permission for the audience and he will notify me once he is prepared to take leave of his post. It will be good to see our old friend again. I am just uncertain what he makes of all this. We may need to provide him proof in some manner. I also want to convene as the Luxyn when he visits so we need to consider who can be trusted at the fronts and make the arrangements for Mythos’ visit.”

  Grifyn raised a brow, “We have not convened as the Luxyn in many years, not since the Cerulyions fell. What is on your mind Marcus?”

  “The numbers of our order have been greatly diminished. We are already training some in the sacred forms. It is time we consider who we pass these secrets to and prepare the next generation. There are warriors amongst the Guardians that fit the lines and or qualifications. We will need the elite prowess of the Luxyn if we are to win this war, Grifyn. Redemption alone is not enough, not all will be willing to accept it.”

  He smiled, “Have I told you lately how much you sound like a King, more and more each day.”

  Marcus grimaced. “I am unworthy of such a title.”

  “Do not be so sure my friend, and once you renew your Bonding it will be official. Mythos means to crown you that very eve.”

  He watched as his friend seem to deflate and become lost in thought. “What is it Marcus? You cannot truly believe she loves him so much that she would not bond? The love you share is evident for all to see, my friend. None aside from you doubt her affections in the slightest. In fact, I have had many ask why you have not indeed been bonded yet.”

  “I do not doubt her affection. I know I hold part of her heart but I also know so does he. There are things, Grifyn that you will understand in time. Things I must protect her from. I don’t know what will come of this all when the truth is revealed.” Marcus rose and went to the window, staring absently over the Palace grounds.

  “Marcus, whatever happened in that room, no one will hold it against her. We all know the ways of the Shade, their ability to manipulate not just the body but also the mind.” Grifyn studied the Praetor wishing there were some way to reach his old friend and cut through all the secrecy and distance that he seemed to surround himself with these days. There was something he was holding back, something that Grifyn sensed may be of dire importance.

  “We shall see. Are the preparations ready for our departure?” Marcus prompted.

  “Yes, once we convene in the throne room I will sound the bells and duties will exchange.”

  Marcus nodded. “I’ll go to my quarters to check on Reyana. I was able to get her to agree to accompany us but that doesn’t mean she won’t try to find some way to remain here. Ask Byryn to meet me there? Once she is ready we will take our leave and I want to confer with him on that boy.”

  Grifyn nodded, “Do you think we should worry about him? Dracyn, I mean? Should I post a guard on him specifically?”

  “If you think it is necessary, but it may send a mixed message to the other young. Perhaps we could just increase the patrols of their corridor?” Marcus paused. “Also increase the patrol in the female’s corridors and tell them I don’t want Star in his corridor while we are away. There is something about that situation with Felycia that bothers me.”

  “You think it was a personal attack?” Grifyn raised his brow. “That would be foolish and the boy doesn’t seem to be stupid, Marcus.”

  “No, the boy seems to be calculating and deceptive.” Marcus grunted. “Shade tend to live by an almost pack like mentality at times. The strongest, most dominant among them assume the lead by deference of the weaker. That’s why Byryn makes an example the way he does. They view him as dominant and it keeps them in line. More than that they trust and respect him. In a sense, Dracyn was challenging Byryn’s strength to undermine him and yes I think that’s exactly what it was. He targeted her to prove he couldn’t protect his own, and hence all of them. He was attempting to make statement as to who really retains control of the Shade in this realm. I spoke to Gavyn, Byryn embarrassed him thoroughly in a very public forum for his behavior. The Shade are nothing if not vengeful.”

  “You think he is giving in to his Darkness then?”

  “I think my friend, that it’s best to be cautious. He is just a boy, but we know how the young of the Shade are conditioned. It would be foolish to underestimate him.”

  Chapter 6

  Cymeryn stood in the center of the living room fastening his robing. “Thank you Crytos, the human robing Syneous provided was less than adequate.”

  “Indeed.” Crytos grunted. “Did you know Alayne had the fool playing Supryn in your stead? We have lost ground in seven territories over the last month with the loss of Trevyn, Demytria and your absence.”

  “A month? Has it been that long?” Cymeryn grimaced. “We will need to reign in the Kyndra but the first priority needs to be reacquiring Reyn. I have no desire to be under Alayne’s rule.”

  “I have a means of neutralizing Byryn if you wish to get to the Queen by means of her daughter.” Crytos grinned smugly. “The boy does not wish to fight his brother and Michael wishes to break him personally as he revels in his pain and returns him to Darkness. He does nothing but stands by allowing it. Grifyn intervened last time or we would have easily reclaimed him.”

  “It is a wonder what you have accomplished with that Shade, Crytos. I never expected he would be anything more than a sniveling slave. It is commendable.”

  “It was quite enjoyable molding him, Supryn.” Crytos smiled wickedly. “I must admit he is the most revered of all my slaves, though I will concede at this point I consider him perhaps more of a concubine.”

  “What of the Brood? They were quite loyal to Trevyn and without their Father or Byryn to lead them many will need guidance. They may prove of use.” Cymeryn mused trying to deign his options. He knew that Marcus had granted asylum to the unawakened Shade and Byryn was partial to his siblings. It might be an avenue to pursue if they could gain the boy’s attention.

  “Michael has assumed control of them in Byryn’s absence. They are loyal to you Supryn, as am I.”

  His assertion was unnecessary and telling. Crytos had always remained loyal, which was why he had kept him close and elevated his rank. For him to make such a statement there was damage control that must be attended to; questions he could not afford in the current conditions.

  “Are there any aside from Syneous I might make an example of to remind those fool enough amongst us whom I am, Crytos?” Cymeryn requested. The Shade respected violence and conceded rule by fear. It was clear he would need to make a show of his station if he were to regain control over the Umbra.

  “None have swayed, Supryn, most protested Syneous’ orders where they contradicted your own, but…” Crytos hesitated looking to his feet.

  “Speak Crytos, you know well I prefer your bluntness to caution.” Cymeryn snapped. He despised the attempts to placate him. Direct discourse was always preferable. It was far more efficient and he needed to find a way to draw Reyn to the lake, not waste time here.

  “To be honest, Supryn. It is your own loyalties that some are concerned with. There has been a question as to why the Shadows weren’t called forth in the safehold. It has been suggested that you might actually love Reyn; that the cause of your downfall was your connection to the female and that it has tainted you. I believe that Alayne is spreading it in an attempt to unseat you.”

  Cymeryn bit his tongue. He could not allow the fact that he was in truth in love with Reyn to become common knowledge. Shade did not love. Any sign of weakness in the Shade could mean a challenge
to one’s dominance and now was not the time. If he did not obtain Reyn and present her to the Dark Lord before Alayne, it could mean her life. He needed to diffuse the issue and the message had to be clear. None would challenge him, they would fall back in line or he would have their heads.

  Considering his options he reached out sensing the Umbra, the realms and the Darkness of Earth. It was a gift he knew not even Alayne possessed and he was uncertain why he had developed it, but it tended to be useful on occasion. He summoned Kyndra Frygeryion to him.

  When he formed, Cymeryn threw him against the wall with his essence and threw a dagger landing it directly in his throat allowing his imminent demise to echo through the others. “Weakness and failure such as yours will not be tolerated amongst the Kyndra of my rank. You have just been demoted.” He growled as he stalked forward drawing his sword and lobbed off his head without hesitation. Two of the Kyndra formed immediately and taking in the scene fell to their knees. “The losses that have occurred in my absence are unacceptable. I will not tolerate such weakness and should any of you doubt my strength or fury, by all means speak up so I may cull you now and be done with it.” He paused but neither spoke. “Tell the others, I except your losses recouped at once. If there are situations I need to address personally make them known if you are too incompetent to manage them on your own. Crytos shall assume the rank of Second. You are to report only to him or myself unless you wish me to view you in line with the Priests. Dismissed.”

  “Yes Supryn.” They replied with reverence and misted from his sight.

  Wiping his sword free of blood he breathed deeply. Why his actions bothered him he could not say, but they were necessary. He would not risk showing weakness now, not with Reyn’s fate hanging in the balance.

  Turning back to Crytos he kept his tone level and his emotions in check. Normally when he came back from a session with the Dark Lord he was grounded, calm, now for some reason he was anything but and it was imperative that not even Crytos pick up on it.