Nightfall: Book Two of the Chronicles of Arden

by Shiriluna Nott

  A scroll was sent across the table along with a quill and inkwell. Chancellor Garron’s brow knitted as he pulled it closer to read it.

  Adrian waved his hand, an irritated scowl flashing across his lips. “I believe you’ll find the wording to your liking. The Northern Empire will be allowed to use your seaports, free of charge and with priority, while we commence our war with Derry. In return, once we have conquered the island nation, the Empire will share the spoils gained there. They’re all mentioned in the treaty—limestone from the cliffs, silver ore, livestock, etcetera.”

  “Yes, yes. I see.” Garron’s hand hovered over the quill for a moment before he took it and signed his name.

  Joel tried not to stare while the foreign ruler made his treaty, but morbid curiosity stole over him, and he just couldn’t look away. Beside him, Hasain’s breathing hitched.

  As soon as Chancellor Garron set his quill down, the scroll was swept away. Adrian didn’t waste even a moment before turning his sharp gaze onto Koal. The seneschal stiffened but didn’t avert his eyes.

  “Has Arden reconsidered our offer, Seneschal Koal?”

  “I stand by my previous decision.” Koal was met with cold disapproval when he offered nothing more.

  The Emperor shot a stern look at the Archmage, and Adrian’s shoulders noticeably stiffened under the pressure. The false light cast dramatic shadows over his eyes and mouth, aging him. “Port Ostlea would be an invaluable asset to us in our time of war. Of all the ports on the western sea, Ostlea sits closest to Derry. Would the silver and other mining ores from the island not tempt even your king?”

  Koal heaved a sigh. “I’m afraid there’s nothing you could offer to change Arden’s mind. The war on Derry is not ours, and I won’t make arrangements contrary to that. We came here to negotiate peace, not house naval forces for a foreign army.”

  Joel reminded himself to breathe. The stale air in the enclosed council room coupled with the heavy silence to create a stifling blanket. The Imperial councilors looked on the Ardenian envoys with cold frowns and judging eyes. Koal met the glares head on, refusing to budge even a little.

  The torture lasted only a moment longer before Adrian redirected his attention to the Dhaki princes, Kadar and Rami. “His Grace has also taken the time to outline the peace agreements Shiraz has consented to.” He sent a scroll across the table to them. “You’ll see it has been written out in both your language and ours. You need only sign it once. This will ensure the northern trade routes from Beihai can be utilized to their full capacity. In return, the Empire will help to fortify your northwestern and eastern borders.”

  The interpreter relayed the message to the princes, who each took their turns signing. Koal waited for them to go quiet before clearing his throat pointedly. “Remind me, why is it that Shiraz feels the need to reinforce its shared border with Arden if we were called here to come to a peaceful resolution?”

  Joel was content to frown down at the empty parchment sitting before him but caught sight of Cenric moving out of the corner of his eye. The ambassador leaned toward Koal and whispered something about remembering proper etiquette. Koal seemed entirely unmoved and didn’t respond. Liro, on the other hand, scoffed and lifted his nose into the air.

  Prince Kadar lifted his gleaming eyes to look at Koal. His voice was low and deliberate, as if he might have been having trouble containing his emotions. It was difficult for Joel to be sure, with the difference in languages. “Shiraz has people and lands to protect, Seneschal Koal. It was our hope to find peace with Arden as well but thus far our efforts have proven fruitless.”

  Koal leaned back in his seat. “It’s unfortunate we haven’t been able to find any middle ground, I would agree, but surely there’s no need for walls to be constructed and fortified between our lands.”

  Rami hissed a string of harsh words, but no translation was offered. Kadar waved a hand at him, silencing his clipped words, but never took his eyes away from Koal. “If you seek peace then a wall should not bother you. We must take this opportunity to ensure nothing more will be taken from us.”

  Joel slammed his eyes shut and heard Hasain shift in his seat. Koal didn’t respond, but it may have been due to lack of time. Almost immediately, Adrian’s sly voice picked up once more. “If Port Ostlea were to be open to us, the Northern Empire would be available to lend military aid, should Arden need it.”

  “You have this figured out from all ends, don’t you?” Koal wasn’t reserved with his proclamation. “You get your trades with Shiraz and help them build a wall, you use Arden’s seaport to propel your war on Derry and ‘help’ us in the event we go to war with Shiraz. That’s a nice pedestal you’ve perched yourselves on.”

  Cenric nudged Koal’s elbow. He gave the seneschal a heavy look but still kept his mouth closed. Joel’s heart hammered in his chest. How could Cenric keep so calm? Everything was beginning to unravel right before their eyes.

  Adrian’s face pinched, his cheeks going a fiery red, but before he could say anything, Prince Alerio leaned around him to address Koal for the first time. “Such is the business of treaties and alliances.”

  Koal folded his arms over his chest. “Alliances are to be made where both parties benefit from them, Your Highness. And right now, I fail to see where any of these treaties benefit Arden.”

  The prince smiled, and with a shudder, Joel had to look away. He’d never make a good politician. He couldn’t bear looking into the faces of snakes. Alerio went on as casually as if he were discussing the weather. “You could give permission for a marital alliance between our countries. That would ensure Arden’s safety with the Northern Empire.”

  Hasain’s fist clenched, crumpling his parchment into a ball.

  Koal’s voice was every bit as icy as Hasain was ablaze. “I will not be making any such alliances concerning the heirs of Arden. My King would have to give such permission—”

  “But of course, your king didn’t come to Teivel to discuss such things for himself.” Adrian glared coolly from his seat, and Joel winced when he heard Liro laugh.

  “The Radek children are just that—children—and I will not be auctioning them off no matter how high the bid.” Koal’s sharp voice clipped on the final word, and Joel sank down into his seat. Years of living with his father had taught Joel that this is where the discussion should be abandoned.

  But Prince Alerio apparently didn’t care. “Seneschal.” The prince spit out the word as if it tasted bitter on his tongue. “What was the point in Arden coming here if no treaties were going to be made? It was the hope of His Grace to find peace.”

  “Again,” Koal ground out, “Alliances are made when both parties benefit. I’ve yet to see any benefit for Arden.”

  Joel’s heart thudded to a feeble stop. He wanted to be proud of his father for keeping to his morals, but the silence in the council chamber was frightening. Not a single word or sound was uttered for what felt like an eternity. Finally, a throat was cleared, and all eyes turned to Emperor Lichas Sarpedon.

  His mouth was set in a grim line, and his eyes were cold and calculating. “It would be in Arden’s best interest to align with us, Seneschal. After all, should Shiraz declare war, who will be your ally? No one.”

  Koal tapped his fingers, the sound resonating in the otherwise silent room. A heavy sigh escaped his lips, and he seemed to be weighing something in his mind. “With all due respect, Your Grace, Arden has seen more than one war in her time. We have managed well in the past, and I can’t see any reason to change our alliances now. Even with any threat that may come from Shiraz—” Koal paused briefly to make eye contact with Prince Kadar “—I am confident in Arden’s ability to defend herself. And more to the point, Shiraz has asked for help to build a wall, not their army. It would hardly seem they were making a plan for attack, unless I’m unaware of something.”

  Heavy quiet fell once more as the interpreter whispered to the Dhaki princes. When he was done relaying Koal’s words, both Kadar and Rami withdr
ew in their seats, casting icy glares toward the seneschal.

  Adrian was the first to move as he slid a roll of parchment across the table. “If it would please you, you may look upon the treaty once more. Consider what has been offered to you, Seneschal Koal. Perhaps you should contact your king. Does he know what decisions you are making in his stead? He might find our offer more favorable than you think—”

  Koal scoffed, and his elbow was nudged by Cenric once more, a severe look in his eyes. The seneschal disregarded Cenric’s good sense, however, and proceeded onward without so much as a flinch. “King Rishi’s submission cannot be bought with treasures or trinkets. I assure you, he’ll care for your offer as little as I do.”

  Adrian’s right eye twitched. His jaw was locked so hard that Joel could almost hear teeth cracking under the pressure. The Archmage took a stilted breath. “It would seem the viper has built his nest then.”

  Joel’s arm shot out on its own accord to catch Hasain before the Radek lord could stand. Koal, however, was on his feet in an instant. Joel’s entire body went rigid as he prepared himself for shouting and fury.

  Yet when he spoke, Koal’s voice was an unnerving whisper. “All this talk of vipers, yet the only venom I’ve encountered here is yours. I’ve heard enough. I won’t sit idly while your foul mouth disgraces my king.” The seneschal reached across the table and snatched up the treaty. He didn’t even glance down at it before shredding the parchment and flinging the tiny pieces back at the Archmage. “As far as Arden is concerned, this meeting is over. We’re not making any progress here. It’s time for us to leave. We’re going home.”

  Koal turned on his heel and stormed from the room without waiting to be dismissed, and Joel and the other Ardenian envoys were forced to run to catch up with him. Joel could feel the terrible glares of a dozen angry councilors on his back as he left, but he didn’t dare risk a glimpse back to confirm it.

  Joel’s hands trembled as he placed the last of his belongings into his rucksack. There. I think that’s everything. He cast an extended gaze around the bedchamber, the room that had been his for the past six sennights. It was almost hard to believe that when he walked out the next morning, it would be for the last time. He was going home. And none too soon. I’ve experienced more than enough Imperial culture to last a lifetime. I’ll be content with never having to see this place again.

  Joel left the rucksack on his bed and ventured into the common room, where the other members of the party were collecting their items and stowing them away. Koal sat at the desk, scribbling notes onto a fresh sheet of parchment paper. Cenric hovered above him, and they spoke in hushed voices about their final report to the King.

  “Why are they bothering to send King Rishi a report if we’re all to be sent home tomorrow?” Joel asked as he took a seat beside Hasain on the lounge. “The message won’t even get to Arden before we arrive.”

  Cenric didn’t look up from the table but raised his voice to respond. “We’re going to send it with a cockatrice. With luck, the message will reach the King late tonight so he’ll be prepared for our arrival on the morn.”

  Hasain folded his arms across his chest. “With luck, the message will reach my father at all. Do you really think Sarpedon will allow us to utilize one of the Northern Empire’s cockatrices after the display in the council chamber earlier?”

  The quill resting in Koal’s grasp stopped moving as he lifted his eyes to give Hasain a sharp look. “The Emperor has already agreed to it, Hasain. He said we’re welcome to leave on our own free will.”

  “Forgive me for my skepticism,” the young Radek lord growled. “I have placed little faith in the promises of our host.”

  Liro marched into the room just then, his own pack slung over one shoulder. He raised his nose into the air as his icy glare landed on Hasain. “Despite your rather uninformed opinion, our hosts have proven to be most civilized. Even after that unruly display in the council room, look at the graciousness His Grace has shown by allowing us to go home. However, the decision to leave without a treaty is, in my opinion, wrong. There’s so much we would stand to gain if we allied ourselves with the Northern Empire.”

  Hasain’s glare was as sharp as a dagger. “You’ve acclimated to life in Teivel with such ease, Liro, that I’d almost be willing to mistake your enthusiasm for disloyalty. If you’re enjoying the Empire’s ‘civility’ so much, why not do us all a favor and stay here?”

  “How ironic,” Liro smirked. “The son of the traitor speaking of disloyalty.”

  Joel held his breath as he watched Hasain ball his hands into fists. Please, not this again.

  “Enough,” Koal grunted, giving the young lords a withering glare. “Liro, I’ve made my decision. There’s nothing left to discuss with Emperor Sarpedon, the Shiraz princes, or even Chancellor Garron. It’s clear to me they’re all determined to be pitted against us and any treaties or alliances they have offered will only stand to harm our nation while blatantly benefiting theirs. Therefore, we’re returning to Arden.”

  “And why is the decision to leave yours alone to make, Father?” Liro countered. “We shouldn’t be so hasty to abandon our mission.”

  Koal narrowed his eyes farther, a troubled frown distorting his aging face. He folded the parchment paper and used hot wax to seal it. “NezReth, have this sent to King Rishi immediately.”

  At once, the Blessed Mage emerged from the shadows, startling Joel enough to make him jump in place. He hadn’t realized NezReth was even in the room. Koal handed off the message, and NezReth whisked away without a single word.

  “I’m going to finish packing,” Koal announced after a moment of uncomfortable silence. As he rose from the chair, his hard gaze settled onto the lounge. “No one is to wander far. Do you understand?”

  Joel found himself nodding alongside Hasain. Liro rolled his eyes but kept his mouth shut. His right hand reached up to clasp something hanging from a golden chain around his neck, drawing Joel’s attention. It was an opal of some sort, turquoise in color and as smooth as silk. Liro held the stone in the palm of his hand, caressing it as though it was the most precious treasure in the world.

  “What is that?” Joel asked.

  Liro’s voice was an eerie calm. “A gift from the Archmage.”

  Hasain raised an eyebrow but didn’t say anything. Joel couldn’t keep quiet however and pressed gently, “The Archmage? Are you sure it’s a good idea to be accepting random trinkets from the Northern Empire?”

  Liro clamped a fist around the stone. “It’s a focus stone. Archmage Titus gives them to all of his mage students.”

  “But you’re not a student.” Hasain did voice his opinion now. “You’re not even an Imperial mage. Why would he decide to bestow such an item on you?”

  Liro whirled around to glare at the two occupants sitting on the lounge. “The Archmage and I have mutual respect for one another, something you would know nothing about, bastard.”

  Hasain snorted. “Well, if that isn’t the pot calling the kettle black.”

  Liro’s eyes gleamed in a dangerous way, and Joel found his back pressing against the lounge in an attempt to distance himself from his brother’s wrath.

  Cenric tapped a firm hand on the table, efficiently stopping the argument before it had a chance to spiral downward. The ambassador cleared his throat and fixed Liro with a stern stare. “When NezReth returns, you should let him have a look at that—just to make sure it hasn’t been tampered with. We can’t be too careful.”

  Liro locked his jaw. “You fools all worry for nothing. I won’t stand here and listen to this idiocy.” He slipped the opal beneath the collar of his mage robe and stormed from the room.

  Hasain shook his head. “I’m quite literally counting down the marks until I can remove myself from his presence.”

  “Good luck with that.” Joel chuckled as the color slowly returned to his face. “I’m afraid you’ll still have to tolerate each other when you resume your apprenticeships in the council room
.”

  “I don’t plan on sitting with the understudies much longer. Father informed me before I left that it won’t be long before I’m to sit on the royal council myself. I expect that when a seat next opens, I’ll be the one to take it.”

  “If my uncle doesn’t get his way,” Joel reminded. “Neetra is pushing for Liro to sit on the council as well.”

  An irritated sigh escaped Hasain’s lips. “I’m not concerned.”

  “Maybe you should be. Neetra is High Councilor, after all—”

  “And my father is the King!” Hasain countered through gritted teeth. “If he says I’m to be on the council, then I am. No one will dare question his judgment!”

  Joel smartly held his tongue. Hasain’s clipped voice was proof enough that the young Radek lord was upset. And rightfully so. He knows he shouldn’t count his chickens before they hatch. He may be the son of the King, but if Neetra’s able to rally the council, Liro could very well steal the next available seat right out from under Hasain’s nose.

  Hasain still glowered as he took to his feet. “I’m going for a walk.”

  Joel began to protest. “But my father said—”

  “I won’t be going far. I just need to—to get out of here for a little while.”

  Joel bit his lip but could only watch as Hasain swept to the door and disappeared into the hallway. For a moment, he debated following the young lord. Ever since the gladiator tournament, Hasain had been more withdrawn than Joel had ever before witnessed. Not that he’s generally chipper under normal circumstances. But I don’t recall a time he’s been so moody and unpredictable either. Being in such a hostile environment was clearly taking its toll on him.

  Joel sighed, looking to his mentor. “Do you think I should go after him?”

  “No. Let him be,” Cenric replied. A faint, pained smile flitted across his face. “Hasain is under an immense amount of stress. It’s not easy having fingers pointed and accusations thrown at you for over a moonturn. I imagine his patience must be growing thin.” The ambassador chuckled. “And we both know Hasain Radek never had much patience to begin with.”