Tathan wasn’t sure he wanted to know. “What do you think?”
Vevin’s expression held a gravity Tathan hadn’t seen in the dragon before. “I think you’re one of those important people too. I think that you’re connected to all the other important people somehow.”
“I don’t want to be important, Vevin. I want to be happy and live a peaceful life.” Tathan looked at the garden. He saw it burning and the buildings around it crumbling. Then he shook his head and the vision was gone.
“You want to be happy, yes.” Vevin looked at the garden too. “But you don’t want a peaceful life. I know you better than that.”
“Just keep her safe, Vevin.” Tathan went back to his seat at the table and began filling in details about rescuing Anilyia from the Rojuun.
***
“You look almost dignified, Master Shadows.” The servant assigned to Tathan adjusted folds on Tathan’s toga.
It was uncomfortable and loose. Tathan had tried to talk his way out of wearing it, but to no avail. The royal servants were pushy and there was an army of them assigned to each of the companions. “I don’t feel dignified.”
“Almost dignified is what I said.” The servant shook his head in disgust. “You and your friends are heathen peasants. I’ve done the best I can. By the king’s command, you are to report to the dining room for dinner.”
“Take me to my cousin’s room first.” Tathan hadn’t had a chance to talk to her since they arrived.
“It is forbidden for a man to enter the women’s quarters!” The servant made a nasty noise. “As I said, heathens!”
“Whatever.” Tathan brushed by the man, knocking him off balance. He had no respect for people who made a living looking down their nose at others. The man sputtered and cussed as Tathan left the room.
Sir Danth’s room was a distance down the hall. Tathan ignored the suspicious looks all the guards gave him as he walked down the marbled corridors to reach it.
The sight of a servant standing on Sir Danth’s shoulders, trying to pull the knight’s helmet off, greeted Tathan. “You must dress for dinner,” the servant insisted. His face was red and veins bulged from his neck with the effort.
“Hello, Tathan,” Vevin said. He was sitting on a table nearby, watching the process with great amusement. “Sir Danth is being stubborn and won’t let them put a toga on him.” He looked Tathan up and down. “You look very nice in yours, and I would never fib about such a thing.” Vevin gave Tathan his toothiest grin ever.
Tathan narrowed his eyes. “Uh huh. Say, why aren’t you wearing a toga?”
Vevin still wore his vest and swung his bare feet back and forth. “They tried to put one on me, but I explained that it wasn’t going to happen.”
“And they just let you go?” Tathan asked in surprise. The servants were very persistant.
“I might have bitten one or five of them, purely on accident of course.” Vevin studied the ceiling with a look of innocence.
Tathan barked out a laugh. “And you’re not in chains?”
Vevin rolled his eyes. “Like they could ever get me in chains. Liselle is upset with me though. She had to heal them. When she was done, she chased me out.”
“How is she doing?” Tathan asked.
“I think she’s enjoying the new clothes, but it’s overwhelming. Hopefully we’ll be able to go soon.” Vevin looked out the patio doors, which were open to the fresh air above another garden.
“Court life is difficult to escape, Master Vevin.” Sir Danth had two servants trying to pull apart his folded arms. The man on his shoulders had hooked an elbow around his chin for better leverage.
“You should let them take your helmet off,” Vevin suggested. “Perhaps it would give them a better understanding of why you won’t change.” He grinned mischievously.
“Perhaps that would be best,” Sir Danth agreed. The helmet suddenly popped off his shoulders, sending the servant flying backwards to tumble in a heap on the ground.
The other servants stared at the headless knight in shock. The tallest one looked inside the empty suit of armor. Then he ran out of the room screaming.
The servant with the helmet threw it at the rest of the armor before joining his friend. Sir Danth caught it and reattached it with a click. “Ahh, that’s better. One should never lose their head while getting dressed.”
Tathan chuckled. “We should probably get to dinner.” They made their way downstairs to the lavish dining room.
***
Tathan picked at his food. He and Sir Danth sat far away from the head of the table where Liselle sat next to Anilyia. The only reason Vevin sat next to her was because he threatened to eat the high-ranking noble the seat had been reserved for. The king accepted Liselle, but seemed determined to treat the rest of them with contempt in spite of the efforts they had gone through to save his daughter.
“Let’s get out of here,” Tathan said to Sir Danth.
“Excellent idea.” The knight stood and nodded to the lady who had been chattering at him nonstop since they arrived. “I’d like to find the library.”
They made their way through numerous halls to a far section of the compound where the royal library was. They were stared at everywhere they went. Tathan didn’t know why so many people were necessary to take care of the royal family and countless nobles served no purpose that Tathan could discern.
“You look miserable, my friend,” Sir Danth said with concern.
“Staying here was a bad idea.” Tathan stuck his tongue out at a guard that was glaring at him. “I wish we had gone somewhere else and let the country work out its own problems.” He didn’t think it was safe to say how much he wanted to be with Anilyia. There were people listening. The palace security agents were clumsy though and he had already spotted five.
“Things will calm down soon. Patience my friend.” They reached the large doors to the library. “Until then, you can help me do some research.” He gave Tathan a smack on the back that sent the rogue stumbling.
They spent most of the night finding the sections of the library that might have materials on Morhain.
***
It was two days later before Tathan was able to join Vevin and Liselle for a lunch in the gardens. The cousins held onto each other for a long while before sitting.
“I’m overwhelmed by the number of people vying for my attention.” Liselle rubbed her temples. “I don’t know how Anilyia does it. I would have to have some way to escape and be at peace.”
“How is . . .” Tathan didn’t want to ask. The security agents could be listening.
“No one can hear us,” Vevin said. “I’ve seen to it.”
Tathan flashed him a smile of gratitude. “How is Anilyia?”
“She misses you and is doing her best to arrange a meeting, but it might be weeks. Her parents won’t let her out of sight.” Liselle bit her lower lip.
The words stabbed Tathan through the heart. “I hate being away from her. You’re not telling me something though. I see it in your face.”
“She’s to be married in two weeks. Her betrothed, Prince Albrato will be here in a few days.” Liselle put a comforting hand on Tathan’s.
He stared at it wordlessly. Anilyia had made it clear that it would happen, but his gut clenched and he wanted to run away.
“Are you going to be alright, Cousin?” Liselle asked. “She feels terrible and wishes she had run away with you, if that helps any.”
Tathan let out a short laugh. “It does. I feel the same way.” He took a deep breath and gave Liselle a weak smile. “Thank you for letting me know.”
“You’re welcome. She’s also going to convince her father to hire you for security, but she doesn’t know how long it’ll take.” Liselle sat back.
“Considering how clumsy the current security forces are, I hope it’s soon for their sake.” He glanced at one leaning over a nearby roof. “Until then, I’ll continue helping Sir Danth research.”
“How is that going?”
Vevin asked.
“There’s not enough information here, so he’s checking out the archives on the outskirts of the city today.” Tathan took a drink of wine. “He’s hopeful though.”
A courier came to their table. “Pardon me. A challenge to duel has been issued for the one called Vevin. He is to meet Lord Purvasa Mugave at the Royal Dueling Arena immediately.”
Liselle turned to Vevin with her mouth open in alarm. “A duel?”
“That man who touched you yesterday was named Mugave,” Vevin said. “I bit off his hand, so it’ll be very difficult for him to duel.”
Tathan couldn’t help laughing.
The courier cleared his throat. “Lord Purvasa Mugave is his brother and a master swordsman.”
“I’ll champion for you if you like, Vevin.” Tathan was itching for a good fight. “I’m fair with a blade.” He grinned at his own understatement. Liselle looked back and forth between the two of them in apprehension.
Vevin’s jaw was set in anger. “No. I’m tired of people thinking it’s acceptable to take interest in my mate. I love Liselle and she loves me.” He kicked his chair away as he stood and his eyes swirled. “Take me to this fool,” he told the courier.
Liselle stood and took his arm. “Vevin . . .”
“I must, Liselle. Otherwise they will continue to believe that you are available for them,” he told her. She looked down at her feet and then nodded. They followed the courier to the arena. Tathan wondered how bad it had become. He wanted to cut off a few hands by that point too.
The arena was a large oval, dirt floor. Ascending rows of seats surrounded it, creating a large bowl that could sit thousands of people. It was partially full and people streamed in at the word of a duel. Had there been more notice, it likely would have been full.
Lord Purvasa Mugave had a permanent sneer on his face and Tathan instantly hated him. A light blade with bejeweled hilt sat at his waist. When Vevin entered the floor of the arena, the man drew the weapon and swished it around expertly.
“Who calls this duel?” an official wearing a bright colored toga asked.
“I, Lord Purvasa Mugave, call this duel in the name of my brother, whom foul Vevin has maimed this yesterday past.” He raised his sword and snarled at Vevin.
“And who is your second?” the official asked.
A light-haired man stepped forward and introduced himself. Tathan didn’t notice. He was studying the movements of Lord Mugave.
“And does the one named Vevin accept this challenge?” the official asked.
“I do.” Vevin stepped forward.
“And who is your second?”
Vevin looked over his shoulder at Tathan. Tathan grinned, happy that Vevin had chosen him. “I, Tathan of the Shadows, act as Vevin’s second.”
The lord and his second sneered at the name. Tathan’s reputation consisted mostly of rumors and wasn’t feared in Mayncal. He supposed that was a good thing considering he wanted to stay awhile.
“So be it!” The official raised his hand. “This is a duel of honor. It will end once honor is satisfied or sacrificed.” He lowered his hand and then dashed to a raised seat away from the center of the arena. From there, he would judge the fight.
Lord Mugave began circling with his sword at the ready. His steps were graceful, showing great experience at dueling.
Vevin transformed into a dragon, taking up half the arena floor. Lord Mugave froze in shock. Vevin put his snout directly in front of the noble’s face and roared with all his might, though not using dragon fear.
Tathan jumped up and down in glee, laughing as the arena emptied. The people in the seats scrambled over each other, desperate to get out. The official jumped out of his chair and broke a leg on the landing. He crawled away, screaming in agony and fear.
Lord Mugave didn’t run away because he was too busy losing control of his bowels and fainting. His second ran away, seemingly not caring if the dragon ate his friend.
Liselle stood there with her face in her hands. Tathan couldn’t tell if she was laughing or crying. Vevin transformed and walked back to her. “I win.” Liselle lifted her face and they could see that she was laughing uncontrollably, so they joined her.
From that point on, nobody dared make advances at Liselle.
***
A week later, the head of palace security approached him with a royal appointment. Tathan responded by delivering evidence he had collected in his spare time on two agents of Iynath that were working in the palace. They made him a special agent with extensive influence that night.
***
Another week later, an extravagant wedding united the prince and princess along with their kingdoms. The citizens rejoiced. In addition to a royal wedding, there would finally be peace between the two countries.
Whispers of conquest had been casting a pall over the morale of the people, but the wedding replaced it with a sense of security. Generals and Admirals would soon be gathering around strategy tables, planning their defenses against Iynath and the Rojuun.
In the celebration after, Vevin danced for the audience. He did somersaults and even danced in mid-air while the musicians played enjoyable ditties.
Tathan sat at a table on the other end of the enormous reception hall. From where he was, the princess looked happy with her new husband. Jealousy fought to conquer his heart, but he had agreed to the arrangement.
He wanted to see Anilyia and hold her in his arms, but it wasn’t going to happen for a while. Liselle constantly reassured him that the princess still loved him though, and that was the only thing keeping him there.
The celebrations went on for three days. Instead of joining, Tathan spent his time finding another agent of Iynath in the treasury, along with a little extra change for his purse.
***
A week after the wedding, Liselle and Vevin took their leave. Tathan and Sir Danth escorted them to the western edge of the city where they dismounted in a small clearing at the side of the road to say goodbye.
Liselle accepted Tathan’s help down from the horse. “I just can’t handle the court life, Tathan. Those women spend all their time gossiping and trying on new dresses,” she said. “And Vevin is going to end up eating someone if they ask him to give them a ride one more time.”
Tathan and Liselle embraced for a few minutes, gathering strength from each other. “I love you, Cousin,” Tathan told her as they separated. “Out of all the people I’ve met in my journeys, you’re my favorite and I truly believe the world would go poof without you,” he said with a grin.
She laughed. “I love you too, Cousin. The circumstances in which we began our journey still hurt, but I realize that if you hadn’t arrived, life would have held a more terrible fate for me. I’ve enjoyed our travels together and the friendships we’ve made.” She put a hand on Sir Danth’s arm and smiled at him.
“You are a light in the darkness, Milady,” Sir Danth told her. “Should you ever need me, I shall come to your aid and lay my very existence on the line.”
“Thank you. I hope your research is successful and that you find a way to free your people.”
“It will take a long time. There is much to read through and few answers, but I have that time,” he assured her with a smile.
Tathan gave Vevin a hug. “You take good care of her, friend.”
“Oh yes! You can count on me,” Vevin said with a parting dance.
“Alright. I’ll let you go,” Tathan told them. “You have your money in a safe place, yes?”
“Oh yes, I have the treasure the king gave us in a safe place and all of the gems and money are hidden,” Vevin assured him.
They said goodbye again and mounted their horses. Tathan gave them a serious look. “Whatever you do, stay away from Dralin. It’s a dangerous city for anyone, but especially for individuals as powerful as the two of you.”
“We will,” Liselle assured him as they rode off. They looked back and waved just before disappearing out of sight.
***
Tathan watched the animal control specialists take away the diseased monkey he had found hiding in the walls. It was even odder than when he found the ninety-five year old aunt of the queen tucked away in a long-forgotten room. A mute lady-in-waiting had been caring for her for the last few decades.
He was excellent as security specialist and now had respect from the king. It helped that Tathan had discovered numerous agents of Iynath along with evidence of espionage in the palace.
“Tathan,” a voice whispered from behind some curtains.
He turned to see a woman peering out. “Yes?”
“Come with me.” The woman disappeared.
It was the sort of thing people said when leading someone into a trap. He followed because traps were his business.
Behind the curtains was a secret passage. The woman let him squeeze by and then closed the door. It was pitch black. “One moment,” she said. With a word of magic, she lit a lantern. The yellow light glistened in her grey eyes, much like his. She nervously brushed aside a strand of her brown hair. “Follow me, please.” Without waiting for a response, she squeezed back by him and led him down the narrow passage.
Tathan didn’t ask questions. Talking was a bad idea in passages because it could alert others to his location. Moreover, he liked surprises, even dangerous ones, especially dangerous ones.
A number of twists and turns led them to stairs heading down. They traveled a few levels before making their way through another series of passages. The woman moved a small stone at a dead end and looked through. Once she was certain it was clear, she pulled a torch lever, causing the wall to slide open. It was quiet, indicating that someone had recently oiled the mechanisms.
The deserted hallway was dark and had numerous cobwebs. It was a section of the palace not far from where he had found the queen’s lost aunt. Still moving quietly, the woman led him down the hall to an old wooden door with most of its paint chipped off. She knocked in a pattern and waited.
Kethril Page 34
