Kithvaryn raised an eyebrow and surveyed them again with more interest before turning his attention to Vaze with a wide smile on his face. “I do believe that makes them more valuable, Fionaveir. You are a councilor among the rebels after all,” Kithvaryn paused, his eyes roving over his guests once more and raised a finger to his lips tapping thoughtfully. “It’s not the Avanti boy, of that I’m certain. I had no idea however that you shared blood with the Hai’dia though.”
“On my mother’s side. Jala is my niece through my father’s line,” Vaze explained in a conversational voice. If he was the slightest bit offended by Kithvaryn’s suggestion of more money, he didn’t show it. “Just saying, Kith. If you already have it set in your mind to sell them off to the highest bidder, let me know now.”
“That would depend on why they are here,” Kithvaryn said with a sigh as his eyes turned to Jala once more. The smile faded from his face and his brown eyes locked on her with such intensity that she almost backstepped. “Why are you here, Lady Merrodin?” he asked in a voice as demanding as his gaze.
“I’ve come to negotiate a contract with you,” Jala replied bluntly with as much confidence and strength as she could muster.
Kithvaryn’s laughter echoed softly through the quiet room as he glanced back at Vaze who simply shrugged. “It would seem I am in very high demand this year. You are the fourth person to speak with me about a contract, Lady Merrodin, and by principle alone you are the last I’m inclined to accept a contract with.” Leaning forward in his chair he let his eyes trail slowly across her, his gaze lingering on her torn and stained dress. “You don’t have the resources to hire me, little girl,” he said softly in a tone as cold as ice.
“I have resources that no one else can offer, General,” Jala corrected in a calm voice. “I have your son’s soul and what I want in return should be simple for a company as skilled as yours.”
Kithvaryn’s mouth hardened into a line with her words and she wondered if she had completely misjudged the man. “You wish to barter my son’s soul to me?” he asked in a cool voice.
“I wish to gift you with the return of your son to show my gratitude for the contract we have. If we do not have a contract I see little reason for a gift. Especially if you plan to attempt to sell me,” Jala corrected.
“Well, she has my interest peaked,” Vaze said with a smile.
“You cannot possibly offer me enough money to face the Avanti for you, child. The losses would be heavy and I know you don’t have the resources for it.” Kithvaryn fairly growled, his expression darkening.
“I don’t want you to fight the Avanti, General Kithvaryn. I want you to protect Goswin and currently I don’t think they have any enemies even looking at them. I want you to fortify the country I returned from the dead and ensure that it survives the war. I will fight my own battles,” Jala explained, her expression still calm despite the general’s obvious displeasure.
Kithvaryn laughed once more a cold bitter sound. “You will face the Avanti alone girl? You won’t survive the first turning of the moon once they march. Their armies will burn your sad little kingdom to the ground without hired protection.”
“Don’t underestimate her, Kith. She is Dashara reborn, I swear it,” Vaze said in an amused voice as he leaned back in his chair once more a wide smile on his face.
“Dashara barely lived past twenty and every child that has been termed Dasharan since then has died young as well,” Kithvaryn replied dryly.
“I have no idea who Dashara is or what a Dasharan is, but I have no intention of dying young. I hate to repeat myself, but I will say once again that I will fight my own battles, General. I do not need your protection. Goswin, however, does,” Jala broke in. Frustration edged her voice and she knew it, but it couldn’t be helped. Her nerves were already on edge and that was the second time she had been called Dasharan. The word had never been explained to her and she didn’t even know if she was being insulted.
“Dashara Avanti was one of the first rebels of Sanctuary,” Valor said in a soft voice, his gaze on the carpet. She rose up against her own family. She opposed slavery and tyranny and her family was famous for both. It was said that she was so charismatic that those that followed her would have fallen on their own swords had she asked them to. In the three years of her rebellion she managed to bring the entire land of Avanti to its knees and freed nearly every slave in the country. The stories about her say that had she survived another month her rebellion would have been a complete success and Avanti would be an entirely different country from what it is now.”
“The term Dasharan has been coined for those who seek dramatic change and have the potential to accomplish it, Jala,” Vaze added with a smile. You were never being insulted by the use of the word. Fiona Veirasha was called Dasharan while she lived and you know how well the stories speak of her.”
“And I promise you will not suffer the same fate as Dashara herself, nor will you die young,” Valor said in a louder voice, his words etched with sincerity.
Jala looked between the two of them and then back to Vaze. “How did she die?” she asked softly, not at all sure that she wanted the answer.
“Hemlock,” Vaze replied simply without a hint of emotion to his voice. His dark eyes were watching Valor carefully, his expression neutral. As always, it was impossible for Jala to gauge what he was thinking.
Jala shook her head slowly and looked back to Kithvaryn. “I don’t want change, General. I want survival. Change could come later perhaps, but for now, survival is the only goal. I can protect my own lands, but I cannot protect Goswin. Will you at least consider my offer?”
Kithvaryn studied her thoughtfully and then turned slowly to Valor. “Would you fall on your sword for her boy?” he asked in a mocking tone.
“Without hesitation if she asked it of me,” Valor replied evenly with a tight smile. “If you, however, are suggesting it, you can go straight to hell,” he added in a colder voice.
Kithvaryn snorted in what Jala thought was amusement but she wasn’t sure. Turning his gaze once more, Kithvaryn looked at Sovann and raised an eyebrow. “And you?” he asked his voice still mocking.
“I don’t actually carry a sword. So I suppose I would have to borrow Valor’s for that,” Sovann replied with a slight shrug. The mage’s tone was light and conversational but his expression was dead serious.
“Such blind loyalty confounds me. Do you think she would do the same for either of you?” Kithvaryn asked in a disgusted voice.
“She faced down the entire Justicar order for me without being asked,” Valor answered coldly, his dark blue eyes narrowed in irritation. She has battled a Divine for me, despite my objections. I’ve watched her nearly kill herself to give life back to a nation that she holds no ties to. Yes, I think if it was required she would do so without hesitation. However, it is my sworn duty to keep her safe, so I think asking her to fall on a sword for me would be rather redundant.”
“She is my sister by the marriage she shared with my brother. Beyond that, she is my friend and I trust her,” Sovann said softly, once Valor had fallen silent. I know without a shadow of doubt that Jala would never ask me to harm myself intentionally nor would I ever ask it of her. If you are asking, however, if she would put herself in harm’s way on my behalf, then I would say yes without hesitation. That is simply the sort of person she is. In every action Jala has taken she has considered others first,”
“Now ask the important part, Kith,” Vaze prompted, his gaze on the general once more.
“And that would be?” Kithvaryn asked with a raised eyebrow.
“Would I do such a thing for my niece?” Vaze supplied the words with an almost predatory smile.
Kithvaryn’s eyes widened in shock and he watched the Fionaveir closely as if he expected Vaze to burst into laughter at his own words. “Would you?” The general asked finally after a long silence.
“No chance in hell of it. My swords would already be occupied cutting down any who oppose
her. Do you oppose her Kith?” Vaze answered the savage smile still on his handsome face.
“Are you threatening me in my own keep, Vaze?” Kithvaryn demanded, his voice filled with disbelief.
“Of course he isn’t,” Jala cut in once more, her eyes wide as she stared at Vaze. She had no idea what he was doing but it certainly didn’t seem to be helping her cause any.
Vaze sat in utter silence for a long moment, his dark eyes locked on Kithvaryn before he slowly let the smile fade from his lips and relaxed in his chair once more. “Dasharan, Kith. Do not underestimate her and do not underestimate those that will help her. I will support her and I will not allow you to hold her for ransom, I want you to be clear on that. If you oppose her we are enemies and I am a very dangerous enemy. If you mean her no harm and simply wish to refuse her offer for contract we don’t have a problem. I truly think you should consider her offer though.”
“I know very well how dangerous you can be. I assume that is why the Fionaveir sent you this time rather than Solace as they did before. Though I must say, Solace has much better manners during negotiations,” Kithvaryn said stiffly.
“Solace is dead. Had she still been among the living they might have sent her and Hawk to speak with you again, but they both died to the Blights in Glis,” Vaze said with a sigh. “They sent me because they knew I would make it here and make it back. These are dangerous times, Kith, and sometimes you have to make concessions. They sacrificed manners in favor of survival when they chose their envoy. We both know I always survive.”
“Like a damned cockroach,” Kithvaryn sighed and nodded slowly, his expression relaxing into one of resignation. Looking back to Jala he shrugged. “It will take more than my son’s return, Lady Merrodin. I have soldiers to pay and supplies to buy. I cannot work for free on any contract that I take. So what can you offer in coins?”
Jala smiled and nodded in understanding. “Of course you can’t work for free, General Kithvaryn. I understand that. I can offer you two hundred thousand gold to begin the contract as well as the return of Kithkanon’s soul and another five hundred thousand to be paid upon the end of the war. I know there are others that could pay you more, but they will ask more of you as well.”
Uh, Jala, I really hate to break into your bargaining, but where exactly are we going to get that kind of money? Sovann’s voice in her mind was as anxious as his expression and she had to suppress a smile. It took effort to hide a mind link in both magic and mannerisms. Sovann had always been good at hiding his magic. He always failed at hiding his emotions however.
I spoke with Madren about it before we left for Goswin. He will pay most of the two hundred thousand that will start the contract, Jala explained calmly.
And the five hundred thousand? Sovann pressed, his voice still filled with concern.
Will be paid from the Avanti coffers once we defeat them, Jala replied and once again had to suppress a smile as Sovann’s eyes widened dramatically.
What if we don’t defeat them, Jala? Sovann’s voice had risen in panic and she was sure if the mage had spoken the words aloud they would have been in soprano.
Then I will be dead and I won’t have to worry about it any longer, Sovann, Jala answered with a faint smile as she broke the mental link between the two of them. She could tell by Sovann’s expression that there was more he wanted to say on the matter but she didn’t have time for it now.
Kithvaryn was watching her with a thoughtful expression on his face glancing over at Vaze he raised an eyebrow. “And what did the Fionaveir plan to offer me?” he asked.
“They had planned to hire you to defend Sanctuary, but I retract the offer for contract in light of Lady Merrodin’s request. So now I suppose it is between Lady Merrodin, Lord Hexian, and whoever offered you the fourth contract. Who exactly was it that arrived before me, Kith?” Vaze said, raising an eyebrow as he spoke the last words.
“Morcaillo, actually. He wanted me to level Goswin before they could become a problem. Coincidently, he offered more money for the job. While it would bloodier than simply defending them, it would also be very quick. Which would allow me to take another contract before this is all done,” Kithvaryn answered with a faint smile.
“Is that a no on my offer then, General?” Jala asked calmly, though in truth, she was anything but calm. She had been so certain Kithvaryn would accept the contract for return of his son that she hadn’t actually thought about what she would do if he refused it. Then, of course, there was the possibility that he would take Morcaillo’s offer which pretty much guaranteed the destruction of Goswin. Of course, Lord Hexian’s contract would likely mean the same thing. Hexian’s homeland of Rivana shared a border with Goswin and while they were currently at war with Delvay she doubted it would be long before they looked at Goswin. Things were going from bad to worse at a speed she had never anticipated.
“Not a no, as of yet. I will think on it and I will speak with Lord Hexian first. You will stay as my guests here for the night and I will have your answer by morning,” Kithvaryn said after a long silence. Slowly he stood from his chair and rolled his shoulders. “Too long in that bloody chair and too long ignoring my other guest,” Kithvaryn sighed as he turned to look at Vaze with a faint smile. “I have no doubt that you know my fortress as well as most of my guards, Fionaveir. You are, after all, the favored spy of your people aren’t you?”
Vaze shrugged and stood as well, as it became obvious that their meeting was at an end. “I know a bit about the place, I suppose. Why do you ask?”
“Because I trust you to guide my guests to quarters better than I trust my own guards to do so. Lady Merrodin is not well loved on this island and I think it would be best that I not tempt fate. Take them to the north tower if you will, Vaze. You will all be safe and out of the way there,” Kithvaryn answered.
“As you say, Kith,” Vaze agreed with a faint smile and motioned Jala and her two companions toward him. “The shadows will be the quickest I believe,” he explained as the room around them began to darken.
Jala nodded quickly and held her hands out for Valor and Sovann. It was not the first time Vaze had transported her by shadows and she was incredibly grateful for it now. The thought of walking through the fortress again through the countless halls and stairs was akin to torture in her mind at the present.
Don’t look forward to sleep just yet. The night is far from over I’m afraid, Vaze warned her as his magic washed over the three of them.
What is that supposed to mean. Is Kithkara planning on murdering me or something? Jala demanded once her feet touched down on solid stone once more. There was a time when translocation magic had nearly made her sick. Lately however she had been using it so much that it barely even made her dizzy.
“Welcome to the South tower,” Vaze said softly with a faint smile.
“I thought Kithvaryn said the north tower?” Sovann asked in confusion as he scanned the narrow hall they stood in.
“He did and that is why I chose this one. The rooms here are nearly as good and it is farther from the common hall as well as the officers’ quarters,” Vaze said aloud at the same time he spoke in Jala’s mind. Third door. Open it slowly and leave your companions outside when you enter. I can see through the shadows here and I know what awaits you. Looking back at Valor and Sovann he smiled widely and motioned toward the first two doors. “Your rooms, gentlemen. I will take the one on the far side of Jala’s. That should keep her safe for the night.”
What are you sending me into Vaze? Jala tried to keep her voice calm, but her emotions were running too high.
Nothing that you can’t handle, Jala, Vaze assured her.
Jala sighed and searched her mind for Marrow. She would have given a lot to have the Bendazzi beside her tonight. He was better off where he was however. If things went poorly in the morning he could possibly be a trump card in her favor, or at the very least he would be safe from whatever fate she suffered. Smiling calmly at Valor and Sovann, she walked slowly toward th
e third door. “Goodnight, guys. I will see you in the morning,” she said, letting the brunt of her exhaustion fill her voice.
“I should check your room first,” Valor objected and started to move toward her door.
Jala shook her head softly and laughed. “Val, we both know Vaze sees through the shadows. If there was anything dangerous lurking in there waiting for me he would know it,” she said in a light voice and hated herself for every syllable. It was close to lying in her mind, but Vaze had said to enter alone. Still it was hard to trust the man after what he had done in Merro. Turning back toward the door, she started to push it open and then paused, her teeth clenched. She couldn’t do it. She couldn’t deceive Valor again no matter what Vaze said. Her hand flat on the door she turned her gaze back toward Valor and met his eyes fully. Something is waiting inside for me Val and I don’t know who or what it is. Vaze says it is something I should face alone but I won’t pretend the room is empty to you.
Then let me go in first, Valor demanded the irritation plain on his face.
Vaze says it is nothing I can’t handle alone, but I didn’t want to lie to you. Just go ahead and go into your room. If I need you, I will call, I promise, Jala assured him as she slowly turned the knob to the door and stepped inside the dark room. She closed the door without turning her back on the darkness as she held a hand up and summoned a pale mage light.
Soft violet illuminated the room outlining the large bed and dresser as well as the man seated in the only chair the room offered. He was slight of build with jet black hair and features that reminded her of Wisp. Smiling softly he pulled back the edge of his black feathered cloak revealing a small blanket wrapped bundle nestled in one of his arms. “Your son missed you, Lady Merrodin,” he said in a low voice as he beckoned her closer.
“Who are you and why do you have Legacy?” Jala demanded, her eyes locked on the bundle in his arms. Every instinct in her body screamed for her to run and snatch the blanket from his arms, but she held herself back. There was no guarantee that this wasn’t a trap. Legacy should have been safe in Merro with her friends.
The Elder Blood Chronicles Book 3 From the Ashes Page 35
