Traitors (The Traitor King Saga Book 1)

by A. M. Hickman

  The wind whispered terrors. How all of her loved ones had died, how she was powerless to save them. Or, how she was a slave, a caged beast being tamed by callused powers above her.

  It whispered hopes. How she had the power to make all pain go away. It whispered that she was loved and desired, that she wasn’t alone.

  But then the wind whispered that all those who loved her would die, that she was nothing but a death sentence.

  Rage and fear ripped out of her in a scream as she whirled the sword madly around, wanting nothing more than to cut the wind from the air. The wind howled in laughter at her pathetic insults and moaned in sorrow of her torment. Suddenly, the wind rammed her with an explosive bang.

  Blaze’s heart burst as she jolted awake, falling sideways with the wheel. “Wharus that!” Nathan roared as he rampaged from the cabin, sleep in his eyes but a dagger flailing. Another bang shook the boat from beneath on the starboard side. Blaze bolted up and ran to that side, finding the shore just a stone’s throw away. Black boulders burst from the star-lit waters like guarding posts of the land. “Blaze! You said you’d wake me!” he berated as he quickly turned the wheel left, sending the Wisp back toward the center of the river.

  “I’m sorry, Nathan, I...”

  “Hold the kaf...the King forsaken course,” Nathan demanded and whipped the carpet aside to enter the cabin. Blaze complied and took hold of the wheel, sick with her mistake. Nathan rummaged around for a while then emerged again with a small cup in his hand. “Drink this,” he commanded while taking the wheel.

  “What is it?” she asked warily.

  “Camomile and lavender tea with a heavy dose of valerian,” he answered grumpily. “I’m not going to risk my father’s ship on you being afraid of a couple of curse-begotten nightmares.”

  She blanched at the concoction, fighting the urge to toss the heavy sedative overboard. The image of Burdock collapsing after his draft flashed before her eyes, for she had dumped all of Obrae’s stash of the valerian into his drink to knock the Urlifican out. “I swear, I’m sorry, Nathan, but I’m awake now.” She felt terrible for falling asleep, but she didn’t want to be forced unconscious.

  Nathan growled. “Blaze, you will drink that tea, and you will sleep. That’s the only way you can apologize ta me.”

  Blaze swallowed the rebellion that threatened to challenge him. Instead, she used her sleep-deprived head, as Obrae and Jonathan had taught. Valerian was known to induce dreamless sleeps, something she desperately needed. If this was how Nathan would accept her apology, she was obliged to apologize in such a way, in light of all he had risked for her. Plus, this was probably the safest place to have a drug-induced sleep; they weren’t on a dock for someone to sneak aboard. Gritting her teeth, she closed her eyes and threw the drink down her throat, which traveled with a floral aftertaste.

  “Thank you,” Nathan said in a softer tone. “Now, make yourself comfortable on the furs in there.”

  “Can I ask you something?” Blaze asked. Nathan looked at her in question. “Please wake me before we get to Eclamai; I want to see the city coming in.” He nodded, and she walked into the cabin, feeling her way in the pitch dark to the back.

  The anxiety of the herb’s impending effect caused her hairs to bristle. Lily sleepily nickered at her, and she patted the mare’s soft nose before settling onto the furs. As she stared up into darkness, she wondered when she could feel the effects, if they would be like a numbness or a drowsiness.

  She had always been a healthy child, never needing Jonathan’s stronger medicines. That fact gave her great pride, to the point that she felt she would never need the assistance of strong medicine. She would tough through the bare minimum needed, a point strengthened through Jonathan’s lessons.

  “Medicine is a wonderful thing,” he had lectured as they sat around the fire, drinking spiced tea. It was a cold winter, and the number of sick patients kept the healer busy for a majority of the days. Fisher had gotten so bad that Jonathan moved him into the sick room. The elder made a stubborn, delirious fuss about Jonathan’s treatment and kept trying to sneak out of the cabin. He stopped only after the healer convinced him to have one last cup of tea, which had been laced with valerian. “There are many times where we truly need its help to mend our poor worn bodies. But, watch out for the unnecessary dependence that can come with that help. I’ve seen people lose their lives to the very medicine that was originally saving them.”

  “They died?” she asked in shock.

  “Not suddenly,” he answered morosely. “But soon their lives centered around the medicine instead of their own living. Empower your patients with the medicine, but don’t let them become controlled by their treatment.”

  The tea took effect faster than Blaze expected, and she drifted unknowingly into a dreamless sleep as one tear fell down her cheek.

  ********

  “Blaze...” came a quiet voice as her shoulder was shaken.

  Blaze turned over in protest. “A little bit longer, Jonathan,” she mumbled and tried to fall back to sleep.

  A snicker sounded, but she was content to ignore it. Someone rummaged in the background and the thump of hooves on wood sounded out of place, but she ignored those noises, too. Sleeping felt so good.

  Then, one of her senses started to slowly awaken her. It was bitter, tart, and earthy. It was a smell, and not a pleasant one. Blaze wrinkled her nose, trying to shut the smell out. An explosion of warm air smacked her face, and a loud, crisp crunch sounded right in front of her nose.

  Blaze gasped and wrenched open her eyes to see a blurry dark muzzle eating something white. The sour smell of horse breath mixed with turnips bombarded her nose. “Ug!” She covered her nose with her hands while rolling away.

  The bark of boyish laughter filled the cabin. “Rise and shine, Karnsbane,” Nathan greeted, standing pompously with feet wide and hands on hips.

  “You Wilden!” Blaze growled while wiping the sleep from her blurry eyes. “That’s not how you’re supposed to wake someone up.”

  Nathan chuckled. “Well, I tried the nice way several times, but you refused ta play along. So, I had ta resort ta more fun measures.”

  Blaze grabbed the piece of turnip Lily had missed and hurled it at the peevish captain. Nathan caught it with a victorious laugh and tossed it into Lily’s stall. “We’ll be coming up on Eclamai soon, and I thought you wanted ta see the city.”

  “Yes, yes, thank you,” Blaze waved him off and rubbed her face, trying to lift the fog of deep sleep. With a heave, she got up and stretched, groaning in comfort. She took a deep breath, held it for a count, and released the air, feeling a little more awake. When she opened her eyes, her heart raced when she saw blue arms, but she quickly remembered her makeover.

  Her deep sleep was taking its time in wearing off, but Blaze felt so rested. Even after all of the sleep in Krute, exhaustion had still haunted her. But not now. Now, she felt a fresh spirit, ready to continue her journey with her head held high. Amazing what a full, dreamless night’s sleep could do. “Well, I guess day’s sleep,” she commented humorously to Lily as she noted the golden light streaming through the wall slits. While it was filtered evening light, Blaze still blinked furiously to adjust her eyes as she stepped out of the cabin. Once they adjusted, she lost her breath at the sight before her.

  They were no longer the only boat on the massive river. Colorful sails traveled toward them like jewels upon the shimmering water. Most boats clung to one triangular sail, but other, larger ships boasted multiple. Some sails held a single color like pine green, rain-cloud gray, or sunset orange, while others swirled in art of two or three colors. One larger ship looked as if a giant fireleaf plant grew upon it as yellow, orange, and red patterned sails captured the northern moving wind. Another smaller vessel had one tan sail with the image of a majestic black king crane with a golden crown soaring on the fabric.

  All boats proceeded as if the river were divided into lanes; both directions keeping the opposite ves
sels on their port side. The river traffic, while a sight Blaze marveled, didn’t compare to where the river lead: a white mountain gilded with stripes of glittering color spiraling down its textured sides.

  Eclamai, the great capitol of Lesira, stood in front of them like a glowing opal as the sun showered the city with affectionate light. Blaze couldn’t speak. She gazed upon the city that harbored great darkness, and it was the most beautiful thing she had ever seen.

  “Quite a sight, huh?” Nathan commented, smiling at her awe.

  “I...I don’t remember it being so...beautiful.” The description was too mundane for the resplendent city.

  “You don’t remember? Have you been here before?”

  “No, I. I’ve heard stories of its beauty, but I don’t remember it being described to suite what my eyes are seeing,” she answered, hoping he wouldn’t pry too much into her slip.

  Nathan chuckled and nodded. “I don’t think anyone feels that descriptions do the city justice when they first see it. Shame another king isn’t on the throne; I can only imagine what twas like back then!” Blaze tensed at the reference, but the captain didn’t seem to notice. “The lower levels are made from the white moldable stone the Etanimulli knew how ta make, but the upper third’s made from white marble, and that’s where the palace’s built. The roofs’re made from a dyed clay, giving it the ribbons of color. I wish circumstances allowed for you ta explore the city a bit; it truly has no match. Even the plumbing’s something ta behold.”

  “The plumbing?” Blaze snorted. “Well, I’m a fool for good plumbing. May just decide to live here, then.” The humor covered her sincere longing to see the city.

  Although they were few, she cherished the trips made with her parents to the river market. While their names were no longer with her, she remembered kind merchants, friends of her parents, sneaking her treats and small trinkets. Her most fond memory of the market was the candlemaker. The wrinkly old lady always dressed in the most colorful fabrics and wove herbs like lavender or rosemary into her long, gray braids. When she laughed, her whole face would crinkle into uncountable creases of mirth. Anytime they were in market, Blaze would beg her mother to go to the candlemaker and smell her luscious candles of floral, herbal, or spicy scents.

  Blaze smiled at the memory; one she hadn’t thought of in cycles. Yes, she desperately wanted to see the city, despite the risk. She also needed supplies. Perhaps, if she remained on her best behavior and was convincing enough tonight, she could talk Nathan into a small trip.

  The wondrous sight before her kept becoming more unbelievable as they approached the Great Divide, where the Istris River broke from the Thundrum to run its southwestern course. Eclamai claimed the Great Divide for profit and control. A mighty dock ran the entire width of the river fork, a solid mile of wooden structure. She remembered the river market having water on both sides, but she’d never understood that the river market resided upon the river as a massive bridge and dock. Boats lined the Great Divide like beads on a necklace.

  “How do you get through?” she asked.

  “That’s how they enforce the tax. Once your stay’s up, they clear the path, remove some boards, and you’re clear for your journey ta continue,” he answered.

  “It’s unbelievable,” she marveled. “What if you’re coming from downriver?”

  “Soon, we’ll be greeted by a Director on a mini-steamboat, like the Chaser, telling us which dock ta head ta. On the other side, you’re supposed ta lower your sails at a certain point, and they tow you inta a slot, closing it behind you. The thing that stops shippers from continuing on is the fact that it’s supremely difficult ta get your sails up in the docks, and if you succeed, they’ll blast you out of the water with cannons on each side of the river. So, if you hear bells tolling on the docks, it’s a good idea ta get away from any ship with sails up.”

  “Kaff! They’re serious, aren’t they.”

  “Aye. Now, that steamboat heading toward us is the Director. I’d suggest you hide yourself with Lily.” His tone was light, but Blaze heard the hint of nerves as he stiffened. This was a big obstacle. If they could survive the next two days, the worst would be over. But, they had to survive.

  “Yes, master,” and she bowed, smiling at Nathan.

  He grinned back. “No, don’t say anything. Just bow and do as you’re told.”

  She bowed and backed into the cabin.

  A few moments later, the churning of water announced the steamboat’s presence. “Ahoy, Captain,” came an authoritative voice.

  “Ahoy, how’s port today?” Nathan called back in good nature.

  “Fair, which dock would you prefer, Captain?” The Director had no inflection in his voice, just a straight-to-business disinterest.

  “I’ll be heading down the Thundrum, if you please. And, I’ve got crowd-sensitive cargo, so the further from shore, the better.”

  “What’s your cargo?”

  “I’m hoping ta sell the season’s last furs and first jubilee berries. I’ve also got wick rock, some spices, and a freshly caught karn.”

  “And the crowd-sensitive cargo?” the Director pushed.

  “A slave and horse for a merchant down in Beccrah,” Nathan replied, as if that was the only thing that could be crowd-sensitive. “They’re both newly broken, but don’t want them getting any ideas, eh?”

  “The merchant didn’t travel with you?” This time, suspicion colored the Director’s voice. Blaze held her breath; he was asking a lot of questions.

  Nathan laughed. “You know the Beccrah type, haven’t the time ta do what they don’t want ta. Them two had ta be broken, and he didn’t want ta stick around for that. Sailed ahead perhaps a month ago.”

  “And the merchant’s name?”

  “Parin, sir. Would you like ta see his papers, too?” Nathan replied with a little annoyance.

  “That won’t be necessary. Summer dock, slot four. Here’s your ticket. To the all powerful.”

  “Thank you, sir. To the King.” The churning became a distant sound.

  Blaze chanced a glance through one of the slits on port side. Men fished in small rowboats, some with poles and some with nets. On the shore, women washed their household clothes while children ran up and down the beach. Peculiar docks by the dozens jutted into the river with two giant wheels perpendicular to each other. One ran with the current and rolled into the other wheel like the gears of a grain mill. The second wheel, which rolled toward the shore, was as wide as a horse was long. Water splashed all around this wheel, although she couldn’t make out the details. Rising from these wheels and running up Eclamai were tall pathways that no one walked on. These paths were suspended above the city on massive columns that ascended one level of housing at a time until all disappeared just below the glowing marble palace.

  The dock was introduced with the drumming of boats on docks, the muttering of crowds, and the shouts of merchants and craftsmen at work. She tried to look down the dock line through her slit but ducked down immediately after seeing the red tunic of an Urlifican slide past. Moments later, she was thrown forward as the Wisp docked. Shouts sounded as Nathan directed the dock workers on how to tie his ship. “Tighten up those back ties! I don’t want ta lose my bow ta the dock because you fools forgot how ta do your job.”

  Boots hammered onto the deck as three people came aboard. “You’re ticket and Urlics, Captain?” A gruff sounding, middle aged man asked.

  “Nathan, sir. And here you go.”

  Paper and coin exchanged hands. Booted footsteps sounded, walking closer to the cabin. Blaze tensed in apprehension and her heart sped up. She was at the front of the cabin but should have been in the back with Lily. Quietly and quickly, she leapt off of the crate and tried to sneak back to Lily’s stall. She was too late.

  “Well looky here!” came an arrogant voice. Her long hair, which she had carelessly left loose, was nearly torn from her head as she jerked backwards. By instinct, she stepped backwards and twisted around, landing on all
fours. She was just about to ram him when she saw her blue arms and remembered her role. With a mighty force of will, she bowed her head and cowered at his feet. “Kaff! Guys, come check out this blung!” The Urlifican dragged her out of the cabin by the hair. “Got reflexes like a cohe.”

  She wanted to make him fear her like a cohe. Instead, Blaze kept her head down and crawled like an animal because of the Urlifican’s gripping her hair. Nathan quickly inhaled, and then berated the Urlifican, “You fool! I’ve spent all merciless day trying ta keep her under control, and now you’ve gone and riled the vicious thing up. Give her here.” He grabbed the back of her neck, giving her a slight squeeze.

  She got the hint and put on a show. Going limp, she began whimpering and pleading while covering her head. “No, please. No, no!” she babbled as unintelligently as possible.

  “Shut it, you worthless piece of blung!” he hollered, and with her aid, threw her against the cabin. Blaze hit the wood harmlessly but loudly, and crumpled to the floor, still whimpering. Nathan squatted down, grabbed her by the neck again, and pinned her to the wall. His move was so forceful and unexpected, Blaze grabbed his thumbs in defense, ready to rip his hands away. “Don’t you dare, blung,” Nathan growled, and warned her with his eyes. Blaze released his hands and knelt silently in miserable defeat. Taking deep breaths, she deadened her eyes. “Now, if you so much as blink, I’ll do the punishment all the way to Beccrah,” he threatened. She let out the whisper of a squeak and made herself as small as possible when he released her.

  “Now, where were we?” Nathan asked, turning back to the Urlificans.

  “She for rent?” the arrogant one asked. “She seems mighty frisky. Must be freshly broken. They’re always fun to fight.”