Temple of the Traveler: Empress of Dreams

by Scott Rhine

  “It’s probably just your eyes or lack of practice.”

  “I have no idea why he succeeded. I couldn’t help him.”

  Komiko looked at the ceiling, remaining silent. Corrie detected the avoidance immediately. “You?”

  “I’m sorry. I was just trying to help. I didn’t do anything against the rules of night visits.”

  The older woman’s face lit with possibilities. “No, this is good.”

  “He’s also a snuggle-bear afterward. Ember takes care of that part. She likes cuddling and I can’t stand being held down.”

  “You’re caring for my beloved in my stead.” After a pause, Corrie added, “You could be my beard.”

  “Your what?” laughed the witch.

  “When a man wishes to . . . court a woman he’s not supposed to, or doesn’t wish to ruin his reputation with, he employs a thin disguise. A good friend feigns interest in wooing the girl and the interested man just comes along to be social. The beard also delivers love letters and special gifts.”

  “Sure.”

  “If you’re willing, I want to experiment, giving him new sensations. I would be in your debt.”

  “Maybe you could teach us a little more about dreaming and Archanos. I’d like to connect to Ember on a deeper level. I’m sure the military commanders would love to communicate over large distances. My school needs to teach something other than hexagrams.”

  “Certainly, but don’t tell Pagaose you’re helping. Tell him the guards peeked in and you need him to share the bed to maintain the illusion. Offer to put a pile of pillows or a bundling board between if you need to. I’ll hold him in dream state and have him utter the words, ‘I am ready.’ That will be your cue.”

  “For what?”

  Corrie smiled wickedly.

  ****

  The next night’s dream experience was so intense that Pagaose slept in for the first time in anyone’s memory. He worried that people could tell he was too happy and vowed not to visit Corrie again for at least a week, lest the dragon discover his secret; instead, he spent the evening writing notes in the pillow book for further magical experiments. At bedtime, he glimpsed the ladies naked as Komiko threw off her sheets. Later, the witch accidentally rubbed against him with her foot, and he was forced to visit Corrie for the sake of propriety. When he confessed this to Corrie, she put a finger to his lips and said, “Hush. These are the rules of the night visit.”

  For the next month, every time he swore to give up his addiction to Corrie, something else would weaken his resolve. Once he visited twice in a single night. When the enemy captured fishermen or another one of his cities, Pagaose would take a nap just to confide his problems to her. She was always there for him, even though her dream clothing had begun to unravel at the sleeves.

  One day, he slept in the warm bathing pool. He was able to conjure her glorious image next to him to enjoy the relaxing waters. “I worry about those closest to me. I think someone has been trying to poison my food.”

  “Why?” Corrie asked.

  “Ember ate my breakfast this morning and threw up. The physicians could find nothing wrong, but I’ve commissioned a royal food taster.”

  Corrie placed a hand over her face. “Oh dear. Do you wear bed clothes?”

  “You know I don’t, not since your first visit.”

  “Does Ember?”

  “Huh? No.”

  “The perfect beard. No one will suspect me now.”

  “Speak Imperial, woman.”

  Corrie sighed. “When did she bleed last?”

  “When she stopped those assassins and hurt her knee. She can limp around now, though. She wants to get back on the water board as soon as possible, but I forbade her.”

  The woman shook her head. “I mean: find a water witch or ki mage and check her for pregnancy.”

  The water in the dream turned cold. “It couldn’t be me.”

  “It wasn’t Komiko.”

  “Sarajah said I should be sterile from years of Door radiation.”

  “You’ve only been emperor for a couple months. Perhaps when the Traveler healed you of the poison, he made you whole in other ways. You could’ve healed yourself during your week of fasting.”

  “I didn’t. I haven’t. I never violated her. Only Komiko has ever touched her that way.”

  “Yet you’ve held her while we make love in dreams.”

  “I . . . maybe. I don’t know what I do in sleep. She would tell me if . . .”

  “Relax. I don’t hate you. Neither will she. It only takes a drop of your essence landing on her garden. The transfer may have even happened while you were away and they were using the bed for their own recreation.” Perhaps one or both of them wanted to become a mother and didn’t want to concern you.

  He blinked, stunned. “What does this mean?”

  “The realm will rejoice. You’ll have an heir.”

  “I’m a historian, not a father. Center is too dangerous—”

  She stopped his protests with a kiss and then stroked his face. “You are mentor to my son-in-law and daughter. Sir Tashi said you were an excellent father to him.”

  “But that’s as a teacher. I have no idea how to shape a child.”

  “A child is born being who they are. Your job is to love and protect that person as you get to know them.”

  “You’re not angry at me?”

  “The ladies have been working with me all along. The fault is partly mine for not taking precautions. You must announce this news to everyone else as your intention. As a princess of Intaglios, Ember’s child on the throne may end the war and avert future issues with their kingdom.”

  He kissed her and gazed at her adoringly. “I don’t deserve you, and you don’t deserve how I treat you.”

  “How would you treat me if I lived with you in the flesh?” she asked brushing a strand of raven hair behind her ear.

  Pagaose kissed her again and didn’t stop until she felt the full magnitude of his gratitude and excitement.

  Chapter 43 – Dirty Laundry

  When Komiko failed to visit the prison tower again, Corrie visited her in dreams. The witch was startled. “I couldn’t shape dreams or reach anyone when I tried, but I can receive?”

  “I’m strong enough for both of us now,” Corrie said. “We share a bond. We’ve both touched the carving when you brought it back to me.”

  They sat in an exact replica of the tower reception room. Komiko tingled at the possibilities; they could do anything in dream. A part of her was physically attracted to Corrie, and she’d seen the emperor writhe in pleasure so often that she was curious.

  Making lighthearted conversation, Komiko told Corrie, “You should be honored. I heard these cells are for the most dangerous and most noble criminals.”

  The former Lady Evershade raised an eyebrow but said nothing.

  The powerful witch squirmed in her chair. “You’ve probably heard about the pregnancy.”

  The noblewoman crossed her arms and waited. Eventually, Komiko cracked. “It was my fault. If you have to kill someone, kill me. It was an accident, really.”

  “Accident? Like: I was getting into the tub and slipped on a penis?”

  The young witch with glasses paled. “It was a contest.” When the silence became unbearable, she added. “He didn’t wake up, no matter what we did . . .”

  Corrie held up a hand. “I really don’t need to know the details. I told him she rolled over in a puddle.” Komiko covered her face with her hand to hide the snicker. The noblewoman held up a warning finger. “He’d have felt too guilty otherwise.”

  Komiko bowed. “I’m prepared to accept my punishment, lady.”

  “I can’t be too upset; Pagaose is over the moon with the prospect of a child. When he discovered it was a girl, he picked the name immediately—Unity, because she’ll unite the kingdoms again.” Corrie sighed.

  The witch with glasses nodded. “He’s having Bovinia’s old room converted into a nursery, and he’s doting ov
er Ember. He pampers her more than I do: he brings her pillows, spoons with her for an hour a night, and he even bought her a tiara with a pink gemstone heart in the middle. Ember is just glowing; no one could be mad at her, but I have to admit I’m a little jealous.”

  “Of the attention she’s getting, the time she’s not spending with you, or the baby?”

  “Maybe all three,” Komiko said softly, staring at the tabletop. “I thought I was above all that.”

  “It’s natural. I feel the same way. What did she ask for her boon, the one for conceiving his first child?”

  “He hasn’t offered yet. I don’t think Pagaose knows the tradition. He’d give her anything at this point.”

  “How does Anna feel about the child?”

  “She’s relieved. Anna was worried we were all just using him. She wants Pagaose to be happy and his reign to be strong.”

  “Have Anna hint politely that a boon is expected. Ember should have her choice ready.”

  “I already coached Ember.”

  Corrie nodded, understanding the accident more clearly. “Then, you need to be prepared for the follow-up.”

  “What?”

  “After the boon is granted, the man gets to reenact the conception.”

  “Oh . . .,” Komiko said, pursing her lips. “That’s bad for all of us. Ideas?”

  “You want the prize; you pay the price, girl.”

  “You make it sound like I’m pimping out my girlfriend for money. I don’t want Ember sleeping with a man who’s awake, even someone as nice as Pagaose. When you have control in dreams, he’s just like a big, pre-warmed toy.”

  “I think he’s too much of a gentleman to make the demand, but you have to be prepared to live with the consequences if he does. Ember didn’t mind the first time. I think she’s the type that likes both boys and girls for different reasons. She might like this royal treatment enough to make him a happy man whenever he wants.”

  “Stop it,” Komiko said, crying.

  “Why? It’s what I go to sleep worrying about every night—a young, athletic firebrand deciding she wants my lover for herself. I have to sniff euphoria dust just to drift off.”

  When Komiko glanced up, she noticed the dark circles under Corrie’s eyes. She didn’t wear makeup anymore. Her robe was unraveling from the bottom, even in dream. The noblewoman must be disintegrating from jealously and longing. “I understand.”

  “Not yet, but you will. Tell Pagaose I give him permission, for this one celebration, to sleep with the mother of his child in the flesh. Your penalty is that you must give your blessing, too.”

  “Yes, lady.”

  After a moment of mourning silence, Corrie asked, “How is the College taking the news?”

  “They’re never satisfied. At first, they threw a party. Now, half are complaining that they want a legitimate male heir, and the other half wants to smuggle Ember out of Center before the invasion so the dynasty can continue.”

  “War means uncertainty, which makes them nervous.”

  “What next?”

  Corrie smiled. “Pagaose will win.”

  “I meant about the sleeping arrangements.”

  “I see no need for them to change. The College is still watching, and the emperor still needs to be at his most relaxed if he’s to be able to concentrate on the war.”

  “Yes, lady.”

  “I will send Ember my perfume; it’s the most expensive possession I have left. Have her use it sparingly; the manufacturer is out of business.”

  ****

  As soon as Pagaose found out about the societal convention, he took Ember for a stroll through the gardens. The girl was radiant, even though she was still on crutches. Her shawl slipped off her shoulder and he caught it for her. The aura flash of Komiko nibbling her neck made his blood race. He concentrated on the tattoo art, but that only led on a trail down her back to her perfect behind. The flames of art licked her body in ways he wanted to. “I want . . . to offer you a gift befitting the wonder of the child you give me.”

  Ember lowered her eyes. “Highness, I think that our school of wizardry could benefit from more of what Master Pinetto called ‘Power Mechanics’.”

  He blinked. She seemed so innocent, but he could see Komiko’s hand. “This is the reward you choose?”

  She let his hand go. “I’m a witch in my own right, sire, with six years of study.”

  His face became a mask. “Indeed. I will teach you something about power, but it will be what you need, not what you asked for. I will teach you to suppress the flow of mana in an area to quench an opponent’s attack, or in your case, to prevent a partner who’s too ambitious from bursting into flames. Do you accept the gift?”

  She bowed as far as the crutches would allow. “Sire, you are most kind and wise.”

  He placed all six fingers of his right hand on her brow. “Clear your mind. Think of the birth of blue fire. Feel the mana as it builds in the air and flows like rainwater down your arm to the staff. Feel the mana transform as the air hits it and the reaction that will continue forever if you let it.”

  A blue flame flickered on her right fingertip. “Now visualize the drain of your tub when you pull the plug. The incredible weight of the waters spins around a central hole. Power flows and surges everywhere but the hole in the middle. Move that hole with your mind. Push it over that point on your hand just before the mana reaches the air. Feel the void quench the reaction. The flow is maintained, the equations all balance, but the flame is extinguished.”

  She opened her eyes and gasped. “Yes.” The enthusiasm she said it with sent shudders through his chest. “It all makes sense.” Her face beamed with excitement; her eyes sparkled. Applications and corollaries danced in her mind. Then she glanced at his stern face and considered the vast power he was capable of. She dropped the crutches and bowed at his feet. “Lord, spare us.”

  “I teach you this, child, in case I follow the course of Osos. I would want someone who loves me to . . . stop me.”

  The words touched something in her. She looked up at his face, reached for his hand again, and said, “Highness, we do love you. You’ve done so much for your people, and they have no hint of your true power, how much you hold back for their sakes.”

  As her fingers joined his, he could feel her sincerity.

  He’d opened his receptors wide for this determination, so when she asked the next question, he had no shielding. “Do you want to bed me now?”

  Reflexively, he answered, “Yes. Who wouldn’t?” After a pause, his blood pounding in his ears, he added, “The bathhouse.”

  When she nodded, he carried her and the crutches to the bathhouse. Komiko saw them from her window and pulled the drapes. Once they were in the privacy of the royal bathing chamber, he said, “Help me into the cold water, and then you can leave.”

  “The others said we could enjoy this celebration.”

  “It’s not right. I love Lady . . . Corrie, and you love Komiko.”

  “I know, but you and the College chose me to ease your tensions.” Ember slid against him, standing on her tiptoes to kiss him. He ran his bare hands over her curved hips and onto her toned abdomen. Then he could feel the baby girl inside and the flames subsided to red coals. He concentrated on the new life—Unity.

  When he could speak again, he said, “Then I choose to delay my claim one year from today, in case we want to try for a boy.”

  “I can’t do anything?” she asked.

  “You know I used to be a priest of the Traveler?”

  “Yes, sire.”

  “To initiate new members, we performed a Ceremony of Freeing. Freeing looses a person from the bonds of any nationality and increases longevity.”

  She raised her eyebrow. “I’m offering you any sexual favor you want, and you’re hinting that you want a religious ceremony?”

  “You have to want the ceremony for it to work.” Pagaose stared down into her eyes. “Ember, I don’t have many loved ones. I want you and our ch
ild to live as long and healthy lives as humanly possible.”

  A tear rolled down Ember’s face. “You mean that.”

  “Is that so strange?”

  “In fire-mage aristocracy, only power has meaning. You can marry or inherit nobility, but a man takes his wizard title by claiming equality or superiority with a mage of higher rank. This is a deadly insult. They must duel to resolve the issue. The Right of Challenge is invoked at any insult. As a woman, I can’t even talk about my abilities, or I’d be burned to the ground. Fire Lords hold their wives and children down to keep their titles as long as possible. You’re different: you encourage us to learn and flourish.”

  “If my friends are strong, they can help my weakness.”

  “Yes. I want you to do the ceremony.”

  He kissed her forehead. “Bless you. We can use this water, but I’ll need to give you a few temporary tattoos. Do you have any henna and a stylus?”

  The already-ink-covered woman smiled. “You do body art, too? Now that is sexy.”

  ****

  Komiko wasn’t permitted access to Corrie for three days. The noblewoman waited for her at the tower door. Corrie’s hair was unbrushed, and she wore the same outfit as before.

  “I’m sorry; I couldn’t visit yesterday because of Birds’ Nest Day,” Komiko apologized, glancing pointedly at the eavesdropping guard.

  “Winter is passing quickly. Spring will be upon us in a few weeks. You and the others need to practice on the dance grounds. I think the schedule calls for a Sunday walk-through for all forty maidens.”

  “During a war?”

  “Especially then. People need hope and normalcy more than food. How is the food supply?”

  “Plain but steady. The last shipment was mostly potatoes. Anna can take over for you as chaperone temporarily.”

  When the bored guard wandered away, Komiko whispered, “Pagaose took Ember to the pools. She came back to the women’s wing naked and smiling, but she swears nothing sexual happened.”

  Corrie sighed, relaxing. “No, he would’ve taken more than a few moments. She’s hiding something else.”

  “He says he’s reserving his reenactment till she can conceive again. We’ve only delayed the inevitable. She’s developing a bond with him.”