by Maggie Platt
He scurried through the Bottom Rung and went straight to the mines. He hopped into one of the large metal baskets and rode down to the bottom. If he turned to the southwest, there was an arch that would lead him out near Adia. Instead, he turned north, following the large stone terrace to another arch. This one would eventually take him out in the dense area of forest in the foothills.
Hidden in the depths of this woods was a cluster of boulders that overshadowed a cave. This cave held his biggest secret. He hadn’t even told his dear sister about it. It was the exact cave where Tali Tivka was last reported to be seen.
When he reached the right place, he climbed behind a giant fallen tree and stealthily entered the mouth of a small cave. There was hay on the ground as if someone had been sleeping there regularly, and the charred remains of a fire looked as if it had been cold for only a day or so. There was a small pile of edible plants next to it, along with a small knife and black kettle. Good, good. He didn’t pack up for good. He’ll be back.
Leeto went back outside and looked all around him. He spotted a tree with a wide limb that would be perfect for a long stake out. He climbed, settled in, and waited for Tali to return.
He knew his small body and unpracticed muscles would be no match for Tali Tivka, but he had a plan.
CHAPTER 21
Tovi sat on the edge of the canopied bed unbuckling her shoes and trying to fathom this turn of events. Light streamed in through large arched windows that extended from the floor to the top of the vaulted ceiling. She had no idea where Calix went or how he would behave when he returned. What would she do if he kicked her out? The only other person she knew on the mountain was Leeto, and she had met him only once. Would he take her in? Probably not, considering he claimed to be Calix’s close friend.
She wondered if it was too late to go home. Could she decipher the maze of streets and get to the mines? Would they allow her to ride down to the exit? Or, would she be better off risking a trip through the cloud, despite the legends and stories?
The door opened, and Tovi froze. She clutched her removed shoe a little tighter, wondering if it would work as a weapon.
It wasn’t Calix. A girl about Tovi’s age poked her head inside the room. She had a kind face with dimples and perfectly straight, shiny black hair framing round black eyes. “May I come in?” she asked gently.
Tovi nodded.
“I’m BiBi, Calix’s sister. I know you’ve had a long day already, but we’ve got a lot of work to do before you are presentable. We’d better get going.” She looked Tovi up and down with an expression of friendly sympathy.
“Before I’m presentable? For what?”
“To meet His Majesty. We’ve got less than an hour before the fight.”
“The fight?”
“Just get in here,” BiBi said with a laugh, pointing to the mirrored bathroom.
Tovi followed BiBi and took a closer look at her marks. BiBi’s back had the same hissing snake, along with a pointed crown, thorny rose, tipped scales, sinister flames, a sharply-cut diamond, and a coil of thick chains, all surrounding a large menacing heart.
“First things first, we need to get you bathed. I can’t believe Calix was going to take you out like this.” She called for Cora to draw water in the large tub and instructed Tovi to sit in it while the servant used a large sponge and pungent soaps. All the while, BiBi sat on the edge of the bath, bouncing one foot and reciting facts she thought Tovi should know.
“See my back?” she asked, turning just enough for Tovi to see the now familiar symbols. “Each of these marks is very important to His Majesty. They symbolize something that he wants us to learn. They are like little badges of honor. Is this making any sense?”
“A little.”
“Good.” BiBi smiled, showing her dimples. “We earn each symbol as we learn from the people around us, but some people have more influence. They are better at teaching than others. See this one?” she asked, indicating a diamond resting on what looked to be a lush velvet pillow, its hard facets meticulously detailed on her skin. “I have been teaching Prosperity since I was a little girl.”
Cora was now soothing Tovi’s aching feet with lotion as thick as butter. “Once you have all of your marks, His Majesty will watch you closely to see what kind of influence you have on others. If you prove yourself to be good at helping others, he will name you a teacher. If you prove yourself to be great, he names you a Master, and you are marked with the heart in the center of the ring. I just became a Master of Prosperity earlier this year, and now it’s my job to lead our city, teaching all to prosper and be happy. Don’t be content with the one mark you have now. You should desire them all so that someday you might enjoy the privileges of being a Master.”
The warm water and Cora’s pampering hands were making Tovi sleepy. Her closed eyes and lack of response did not go unnoticed by BiBi.
“Pay attention, Tovi! You have a lot to learn before we leave for the fight.”
“I still don’t understand. What fight?”
BiBi groaned. “There is so much you don’t know! This week, we are celebrating the anniversary of His Majesty’s reign. Every year there is a huge party that lasts for several days. His Majesty loves to watch a good fight, so the big opening act of the week is a fight in the Courtyard. Two people—predetermined by His Majesty—get in the ring and compete to see who is more powerful. The winner is usually given some sort of a promotion within the kingdom.”
BiBi was already moving on to the next topic even though Tovi was no closer to understanding than she was before. It was hard to keep up with the constant chatter and change of topic. As BiBi prattled on, Cora kneaded strong-smelling cream into the roots of Tovi’s hair.
“I told you my diamond represents Prosperity. Now I’ll tell you about the others. Calix is a Master of Adoration, and the symbol for Adoration is the pointed crown. Calix devotes his entire life to serving His Majesty. He teaches others the importance of honoring King Damien above all else, that loyalty to the crown is the most important virtue in our society. He is really good at it. Ultimately, most people end up adoring Calix as well.”
BiBi went on to explain each mark, but it all became very jumbled in Tovi’s mind. Were the chains the symbol for Power? Or was that the flames? She was fairly certain the scales were for Perfection, but could it be Wisdom instead? She had little hope that she would ever have it all sorted out.
When Tovi was out of the tub and wrapped in a luxurious towel, BiBi called in an additional servant. The girls pulled and tugged at Tovi’s hair, brushing, drying, and ironing until it shined, and her scalp felt raw. Next the servants smeared thick pastes over her skin and dusted layer after layer of silver powder onto her eyelids. They covered her lips with a bright red, shiny gloss and filed her nails into perfect points, dipping the ends in polish that matched her lips.
Pulling Tovi in front of the wardrobe, BiBi said, “I suggest you wear this one.” She held up one of the many silver ensembles, one so pale that it was almost a sparkling white. She waltzed around the room grabbing items from several different chests and cabinets. Before she knew it, Tovi had several chains of alternating diamonds and silver beads draped around her neck and long silver gloves that matched her gown. “Always always always wear gloves, Tovi. Don’t go anywhere without them. Forgetting your gloves is the ultimate social disaster.”
When it came time to leave, a butler opened the front door for the two ladies. A tremendous roar stopped Tovi in her tracks. There was so much to look at all at once, and her head swam with inundating sensations. The tall homes surrounding the courtyard towered over her, and she could see the glint of gold on their distant rooftops. The huge cobblestone square had disappeared under the teeming feet of thousands of people, all swarming around a raised circular platform. The crowd pressed in from all sides, even filling the archways and streets beyond.
People were everywhere. The front steps of the homes seemed to rise out of the masses rather than from the ground.
There was jeering and rowdy laughter. Everywhere she looked, Tovi could see bare backs engraved with combinations of the black marks.
The throng of spectators noticed the well-dressed ladies trying to pass, and they made what little room they could manage. Tovi wrinkled her nose and tried not to breathe as she was forced to brush against so many strangers, many of them foul-smelling and covered in sweat. With every step she looked desperately for any sign of Tali.
BiBi led her to the other side of the courtyard, where Tovi found herself on a set of golden steps. “Where are we?” she yelled as BiBi knocked on the door.
“What?” BiBi shouted over the deafening noise.
A butler opened the door and nodded to the ladies, bidding them to enter. When they were inside and the door shut behind them, the terrible roar ceased.
Tovi followed BiBi up an impressive spiral staircase and through a set of glass doors. A large patio overlooked the courtyard with its vast sea of people vying for position as close as possible to the platform. From this height the unbearable noise was slightly muted.
Three gorgeous creatures were already lounging on gilded chaises with crimson cushions. One of them stood and greeted, “BiBi! Who have you brought with you? What a nice surprise!” She had bright orange hair that reached all the way to her waist, and her silk gown was accented with a dazzlingly bright emerald pendant the size of an egg that hung from a delicate silver chain. Her lips were bright pink, different from the reds on most of the women. She was the most colorful person Tovi had seen since coming to the mountain. Even her eyes were a vibrant yellow, and they pierced Tovi with the look of a hundred unanswered questions.
“This is Tovi,” BiBi announced to everyone on the patio. “She has come to live with Calix and me. She’s from Adia.” There was a sharp intake of breath, and all eyes darted to Tovi at once.
The girl’s eyes grew large. She grabbed hold of Tovi’s arms, spun her around, and touched a finger to Tovi’s shoulder. Then, she clapped her hands and squealed in delight. “How wonderful! I should have known. Tovi, welcome, I‘m Rhaxma” she said, squeezing her new guest. “But where is . . . oh, never mind. I am thrilled that you are here.”
The others did not get up to greet her as Rhaxma introduced them. Xanthe had violet eyes framed by lemon yellow hair with one aqua stripe that started at her scalp and ran all the way along her loose waves. She glanced at Tovi with what looked to be acute disdain and mistrust before turning to look out over the courtyard, her face set in cold indifference.
Megara sat close by. Like Calix and BiBi, her hair and eyes were the darkest of blacks, contrasted by sickly pale skin. Although just as young as the rest, she looked tired, withered, and angry. She occasionally coughed into a stained handkerchief.
Before Tovi had time to sit down, a hand touched the small of her back. She jumped, startled to find Calix standing close behind her. Her heart thudded with a mixture of anger and fear.
He leaned down to whisper, “Just pretend that our little disagreement didn’t happen. Got it? You have no idea what I could do to you. Don’t say anything you might regret.”
Tovi narrowed her eyes and opened her mouth to protest but thought better of it when Calix tightened his grip and dug his fingers into her side. He kissed her quickly and led her to an empty seat. Rhaxma’s eyes followed the entire interaction.
“Hey, Rhax,” Calix called, “Where is everybody?”
“We’re missing only three,” she said, sounding offended. “My brother has been busy for several days, and Jairus will be here soon. Eryx is in the fight. And don’t hint that this gathering is lacking. His Majesty himself is coming.”
“Oh, excellent. I didn’t know. Who is Eryx up against?”
“Some field hand named Myron. I’ve heard that His Majesty has taken some special interest in him. Thinks he could rise up to become a Master someday.”
Calix scoffed. “A Master? A Master of what?”
“Control. People are saying that my dear brother might not last long as the favored Master of Control, but I’d say there’s no need to worry now that Tovi is here.”
Calix responded cruelly, “There are plenty of treacherous backstabbers around here. He shouldn’t get too comfortable.”
A booming voice rose over the crowd. “Welcome, ladies and gentlemen, to today’s fight. Please turn your attention eastward and show your respect to Their Majesties, King Damien, Prince Ajax, and Prince Jairus!”
There was an uproar as everyone in the courtyard below turned to face the very place where Tovi was sitting. The doors to Rhaxma’s balcony flew open, and trumpets blared. A dozen terrifying guards emerged, each carrying two swords. When they were in position around the perimeter of the terrace, they planted their feet and crossed the swords in front of their chests.
Three royal men appeared. The younger of the princes, Jairus, looked as if he’d rather be anywhere but standing beside his grandfather. There was a dullness in his purple eyes and the straight line of his mouth, as if the world no longer held any pleasure for him. He was quite a bit taller than the king, and Tovi was stabbed with homesickness as she noticed he seemed to be nearly the same height and build as her brother.
Tovi’s glance shifted to the old man at his side. Their eyes connected, and a cold, electric shiver surged through her. In contrast to Jairus, King Damien’s face was intensely engaged. He was a man of average height and average build, and just like so many that Tovi had met, his eyes and hair were darkest black.
Prince Ajax was a cross between the two. He shared his father’s colors, but he was as tall as his son. He also looked as bored as his son.
Jairus sat down with Xanthe, putting his arm around her shoulders. Tovi noted how their hair and eyes were the exact same hues. He even had a matching aqua patch in his short hair where Xanthe had her stripe.
“Are they related?” Tovi whispered to Calix.
He snorted. “I hope not.”
King Damien sauntered toward Tovi, never taking his eyes off her as the others parted to give him plenty of room to pass. He moved with a confident precision that defied his age. She stood when he arrived in front of her, and he tenderly took hold of her hand between both of his own. “Tovi, my darling, we meet at last.” He smiled with grandfatherly sweetness.
“It is nice to finally meet you, Your Majesty. I have heard a lot about you.”
“Hearsay, all of it!” he exclaimed gleefully. “Don’t you dare believe a word said against me. I’m really not such a grumpy old man as I’m sure they have told you.” He looked her deeply in the eyes, and he seemed to lose himself for a moment, like he noticed something strange for the first time. His gaze flicked to her hair and back to her eyes.
Tovi smiled, but there was a strange tingling just beneath her skin that felt very close to fear. She had a hard time explaining it even to herself. She felt anxious in his presence.
The announcer’s voice echoed through the streets again. “His Majesty’s first contestant, Myron Xylander!” A large man with rippling pecs and biceps stepped up onto the platform as the crowd taunted him. He was bare-chested and wore loose gray shorts.
King Damien—with one last glance at Tovi—moved to his seat.
“And next, our champion, our Master of Power, Eryx Odessa!” The volume swelled to unbearable levels as fists shot into the air. An even larger man entered the ring. He was dressed the same as Myron, but he had a shaved head and his body had many white scars.
A whistle was blown, and the two men began hitting, kicking, kneeing, and pushing each other around the platform, clearly hurting one another. Tovi was horrified by the sight. What was even more repulsive was that the crowd seemed to be enjoying it.
Each thud of fist against flesh startled her, and her little jumps and spasms made Calix smirk. “You’ll get used to it. Calm down.”
It didn’t take long for Myron to fall limp. Eryx raised a fist in the air, turning around to acknowledge the crowd. As the people responded and mirrored him with ent
husiasm, something caught Tovi’s eye. She looked back at the fighter lying on the platform. Myron, supposedly unconscious, was shifting his arm ever so slightly toward the edge of the ring where another man slid a long metal bar into his hand.
With one deft movement Myron leapt back to his feet and brought the rod crashing down on his opponent’s head. A collective gasp followed by wild cheers erupted from the crowd. Eryx lay on the platform, black blood oozing from his temple. Myron continued to beat him with the metal bar, and the audience watched in pure, undisguised delight. Tovi had to close her eyes to ward off her nausea.
This time Myron raised his fist victoriously. He had won over the fickle crowd, which was cheering rambunctiously for their new hero.
Eventually everyone dispersed, most returning to their homes as they rehashed the entire fight and debated the legitimacy of using the metal bar. Wealthy citizens slipped into some of the large houses around the courtyard where sophisticated parties had already commenced. Music flowed into the street and the mood turned festive. No one bothered to remove Eryx from the platform.
Tovi went to the railing and looked down at his broken body. She couldn’t understand the cruelty. “Why is no one helping him?” she asked, distressed.
King Damien approached and stood beside her, following her gaze. “Don’t you worry about him, my dear one. He’ll be fine. I bet you would like to learn more about us so there aren’t any other little shocks and surprises like this one. Come and see me tomorrow morning for breakfast. I’ll arrange some special lessons for you, and in no time, you will feel completely at home. Now, let’s head inside. Rhaxma has quite the party planned.”
King Damien wandered off to speak with someone else, and Tovi stood alone at the railing, unable to take her eyes from Eryx lying motionless in the deserted courtyard. After checking to be sure no one was looking, she slipped quietly down a side staircase. She hurried across the smooth cobblestones, climbed into the ring, and knelt by the crumpled body, pressing a discarded towel against his temple. She used her free hand to cradle the other side of his face. Soon the towel was drenched with a mix of crimson blood and a strange black sludge.
