Ascension of Death

by Andy Peloquin

  Briana cocked an eyebrow. “He knows you’re after the Blade of Hallar?”

  Evren nodded.

  “Evren told him the first time we met,” Hailen piped up.

  Evren turned a scowl on the boy. “It seemed the best choice at the time. And look where it got us.”

  “Hey, I wasn’t judging.” Hailen grinned. “Just surprised me, that’s all. You’re always the one who plays everything so tight-lipped.”

  “I’ve seen how much trouble that wagging tongue of yours can cause,” Evren shot back.

  “All the same,” Briana interjected before Hailen could retort. “You may trust him, but I can’t be certain of him. Ennolar would go into conniptions if he learned even a fraction of what was written in my father’s journal.”

  “I take it that means you found something useful, then?” Evren tilted his head.

  “We did.” Briana nodded. “But it was Kodyn who gave us the final piece of the puzzle.”

  “Is that so?” Evren’s eyes darted to the tall, broad-shouldered Praamian walking beside Aisha. “What did he find out?”

  He listened as Briana relayed their discoveries: the meaning they believed hidden in the Prophecy of the Final Destruction, the realization that Hallar could have hidden something important in his tomb, and Kodyn’s intention to open the Vault of Ancients to steal the Crown of the Pharus and the Blade of Hallar before the Iron Warlord could get his hands on them.

  “Wait, but isn’t that exactly what this Iron Warlord wants?” Evren asked, his brow furrowing. “If there really is something hidden in the Tomb of Hallar, he’ll need the Vault of Ancients open to get at it. Kodyn’s plan kind of plays into his hands, doesn’t it?”

  “Oh.” Briana’s face fell. “I hadn’t thought of that.”

  Evren’s mind tugged at the threads of logic, and he couldn’t figure out why Kodyn had suggested opening the vault. That plan could very well lead to the Iron Warlord’s triumph and the destruction of Shalandra.

  “Kodyn, Aisha, wait up!” he called.

  The pair turned to him. Aisha raised an eyebrow. “What’s wrong, Evren?”

  Evren looked to Kodyn. “We need to talk about this plan of yours.”

  Kodyn’s eyes darted to the heavily-armored blacksmith, just as Briana’s had.

  The black-bearded Killian rolled his eyes. “You youngsters and your secret plans!”

  “You’re one to talk,” Evren retorted. “You’re more spymaster than blacksmith. Fiery hell, the secrets you keep would put the Black Widow out of business.”

  Killian shot him a wry grin. “I’ll take that as a compliment.”

  “Take it however you want.” Evren gave him a little shooing gesture. “Just give us a minute.”

  After a moment, Killian shrugged his shoulders. “Suit yourselves. I’m off to find a meal.” He patted his armored belly. “Feels like I haven’t eaten in a week.”

  Evren’s stomach gave a little answering rumble. The few bites he’d eaten with Hykos hadn’t satiated his appetite, but increased it. “Save us something.” His gaze roamed between his friends. “I’m guessing it’s been a while since any of you have eaten anything.”

  Kodyn and Aisha exchanged glances, then gave shrugs.

  “Secret Keeper food is bland at best,” Hailen added.

  “I wouldn’t mind some real Dhukari food.” Briana shot him a small smile. “It’s been a while since I’ve actually enjoyed what I ate.”

  Killian grinned, his teeth shining white through his bushy black beard. “Even in the middle of a war, you can always bet the palace kitchens will have plenty of delicacies and delights.” He shot Evren a meaningful look. “There’ll be food waiting when you’re done.” Turning, he limped down the hall, deeper into the palace.

  “Thanks,” Evren called after the retreating man. He knew that look well by now. Killian might pretend to let him have his secrets, but the blacksmith expected to be filled in later. Evren was inclined to do so. Killian knew a surprising amount about nearly everything. He might have something important to add, some information that could point them in the right direction. However, there were some things Evren would keep from him—the blacksmith didn’t need to know all the world’s secrets.

  The moment Killian turned the corner, Kodyn turned back to Evren with a curious glance. “What’s wrong with my plan? Getting into the vault and stealing the crown and blade before the Iron Warlord comes for them. Isn’t that why you came to Shalandra in the first place?”

  “It is.” Evren nodded. “But you thought the Iron Warlord wanted to get his hands on whatever’s in the vault. Opening the door just gives him what he wants.”

  “Yes and no.” Kodyn shook his head. “We get the artifacts, steal them away before he sends any more of his minions into the palace. Once we seal up the vault behind us, he’ll waste his time and effort trying to get in, only to find it empty. In the meanwhile, we’ll have plenty of time to get the artifacts someplace safe and out of his reach. Without them, he’ll have no way to bring on the Final Destruction.”

  “And where, exactly, did you think of taking them?” Evren raised one eyebrow. “There’s not exactly an easy way out.”

  Kodyn’s face fell. “Damn.” His expression darkened. “When I came up with that plan, I was certain we’d have the Serenii tunnels as a way out. Now, however…” He shrugged. “Maybe there’s another way.”

  “There’s another thing to think about,” Aisha put in.

  Evren and Kodyn turned to the Ghandian.

  “The Shalandrans aren’t just going to let us walk out of here with their most prized possessions,” she said. “That’s why you had to steal them in the first place, remember?”

  “I was counting on their being too busy fighting the Stumblers to notice us,” Kodyn replied. “Not the best of plans, but we’re kind of working in a rush, here.”

  “Maybe there’s another way.” Briana spoke in a quiet voice.

  All eyes turned to her.

  “All this time, we’ve been operating as if we’re going to have to move against the Pharus to get our hands on those artifacts.” Briana’s expression grew pensive, a frown wrinkling her forehead. “But what if we could actually convince him that it’s the best course of action?”

  Evren raised an eyebrow. “You think he’d just let us take them and run?” He’d come to Shalandra to steal the Blade of Hallar, an ancient Im’tasi weapon forged by the Serenii—he wouldn’t leave the city without it. He was one of the few on Einan who knew the full extent of what it could do in the wrong hands. “We’re talking about his crown and the blade said to have been handed down to him by the founder of his city. I can’t say I’ve met many monarchs, but that doesn’t seem like a very kingly thing to do.”

  “You’re right,” Briana replied. “Under normal circumstances, the Pharus would have the lot of us thrown into his dungeons or executed in Murder Square. But, as you can see, these circumstances are anything but normal.”

  Evren contemplated her words. He had never met the Pharus, had no idea what sort of man they’d be dealing with. After all that had happened to him in the Master’s Temple, he’d developed a deep-rooted mistrust of powerful men. But Briana seemed to know a great deal about the Pharus. If she thought they had a chance, maybe he could believe in her hope.

  “You think you can talk him into seeing reason?” he asked. “It’s going to take a very open-minded person to accept the truth. Not a lot of people have the mental capacity to accept something that totally shatters their understanding of the world.”

  Learning the truth of Kharna, the Serenii, the War of Gods, and the Devourer of Worlds had shaken Evren, even after he’d spent years rejecting everything the Lecterns and priests in general told him. Graeme, one of the few people to whom the Hunter had revealed everything, had wrestled with the truth for months. They were about to ask Pharus Amhoset Nephelcheres to comprehend and accept the impossible in the space of a few minutes, hours at most.

  Briana’
s expression grew solemn. “He is watching his city destroyed first by his own people, then by creatures believed to be mythical.” She shot Aisha a glance. “Creatures that are also his own people, just twisted by alchemical knowledge forbidden to the world at large.”

  Aisha nodded. “Seems like that sort of thing would go a long way toward opening someone’s mind.”

  “Yeah, but the crown and the blade?” Kodyn appeared skeptical. “I’m with Evren on this one. Seems like a lot to ask of the Pharus.”

  "Yes, it’s a lot to believe,” Briana said. “And yes, it’s a huge risk bringing the Pharus in on the truth. He might still order us clapped in irons or thrown to the Stumblers. But if there was ever a time for a desperate plan like this, I’m pretty sure now is it!”

  As she spoke, Briana appeared to have grown more confident. She stood taller, her head held high, her voice ringing with authority. Despite her simple robes and the white headband encircling her forehead, she was once again the Dhukari he’d met his first days in Shalandra. The Briana that stood before him was in command, as befitted the daughter of one of the most powerful men in the city.

  To see her like this, dominant and commanding, it made her all the more alluring. She was beautiful in every way, yet at that moment her beauty paled in comparison to her strength of spirit. Evren found himself drawn to her more than ever before.

  “Keeper’s teeth!” Kodyn blew out a long breath. “If you think you can do it...”

  Briana’s face revealed not a shred of hesitation. “I know we have to try. And this is the best way I can think of.”

  Kodyn and Aisha exchanged glances. Evren shot Hailen a questioning look. He’d spent more time with her than any of them.

  Hailen nodded. Conviction gleamed in his eyes.

  If Hailen trusts her, I can, too.

  “What the hell!” He threw up his hands. “Let’s go try to convince the Pharus to give us his most treasured artifacts.”

  Chapter Twenty-Four

  Kodyn was fairly certain this new addition to their plan would wind up getting them locked up, cast out, or executed. At the very least, the Pharus would consider them insane.

  And yet, Briana had been right. Given the circumstances, this was their best plan.

  “But that doesn’t solve the issue of what happens when we get into the vault,” he said. He glanced at Evren. “If Tethum is really after what’s in the vault—”

  “Tethum?” Evren’s brow furrowed.

  “The Iron Warlord,” Kodyn replied. “His real name’s Tethum. An outsider, though no one knows from where, living on the Keeper’s Tier among the Dhukari.”

  “Ah, got it.” Evren chuckled. “Silly name, the Iron Warlord.”

  “I think it’s from that mask he wears,” Kodyn said. “He’s never seen without it, according to Ennolar. Must be hiding something truly hideous.”

  “Either that, or he’s overcompensating for something,” Evren said, snickering.

  Kodyn caught Aisha rolling her eyes. “Anyway, as I was saying, once we get the vault open, we’re making it easier for Tethum to get his hands on the artifacts. He’s not going to stop until he’s unleashed the Final Destruction.”

  “Which is why we need the Pharus’ help,” Briana said. “And Lady Callista’s. They need to know the stakes of what we’re facing, the true threat that Tethum represents.”

  “And you think they’ll believe us?” Evren asked. “They’ll just take our word for it?”

  Kodyn had to admit Briana was right. “After everything we’ve done for them and Shalandra, I think we’ve got a pretty decent shot at convincing them.” Lady Callista had proven herself to be honorable, a noble spirit as virtuous as anyone in a position of such power. And Kodyn had seen the Pharus’ affection for Briana, even before Suroth had saved his life. “Besides, the evidence is right in front of them. It’s not going to take much convincing that they’re in danger.”

  “And, who better to explain the secrets of the ancient Serenii than the daughter of the man who dedicated his life to studying them?” Hailen added.

  Briana blushed. “I only understand a fraction of what my father learned, but I trust we have enough to prove to the Pharus that this is a real threat.”

  “Okay, not to piss on anyone’s parade,” Evren put in, “but let’s say we do manage to convince the Pharus to let us get into the vault and take the artifacts away before this Iron Warlord…” He snickered at the words. “…breaks through the palace’s defenses and gets at them. We’re still missing one critical piece of the puzzle: opening the vault door.” He turned to Briana. “Didn’t your father say there was no way for us to open it? That it was crafted by the Serenii to only open by itself once every three months.”

  “That is what he said, yes.” Briana nodded. “But from the notes in his journal, I believe he suspected that there was more to the vault’s mechanisms. It’s why he had these artifacts in the first place.” She gave the cloth sack a little shake, setting the stone artifacts within rattling. “He was studying them to find out if they would actually work.”

  “But he hadn’t found anything, you think he didn’t want to give us false hope?” Kodyn asked.

  Briana nodded. “Yes. With the Anointing less than two weeks away, it wouldn’t have mattered that he couldn’t open the vault. It would be opening on its own, so he’d be able to help you get your hands on the crown. I’m willing to gamble that he planned to walk you in with him, seeing as you never intended to actually remove the crown from the vault anyway.”

  Evren cocked his head. “What’s this?”

  Kodyn sighed. He didn’t have time to explain the Undertaking, but he could at least paint a picture in broad strokes. “Call it a test of skill. I just needed to prove that I could get my hands on the crown, and it’d be enough.”

  “Oh.” Evren’s face tightened, lines of tension forming around his eyes. “With the Blade of Hallar—”

  “Yes, I know you need to actually remove it,” Kodyn replied. “End of the world, Great Devourer, and all.”

  Evren nodded, seeming placated. “But none of that will happen if we can’t get that door open,” he said. “Unless your father’s journal contains something that explains how to work millennia-old Serenii mechanisms.”

  “We believe it does.” Briana exchanged a glance with Hailen.

  “You remember all those cryptic clues hidden in Taivoro’s book, The Singer and His Muse?” Hailen asked. “The one you helped the Hunter decipher to open the way to Enarium?”

  “Of course.” Evren had nearly died far too many times on that journey into the Empty Mountains to search for the Lost City, yet it had been the first time that he’d felt a true sense of purpose. He’d found a peculiar sort of companionship with Hailen and the Hunter, one he’d been sorry to leave when the Hunter had left him behind to help an injured mountaineer escape the Stone Guardians. That journey was what had ultimately led him here, now.

  “We think the Prophecy of the Final Destruction contains similar clues,” Hailen continued. “Like the ‘sword and scepter align’ means literally aligning the two, using it like a key to open the vault. Then Aisha’s pendant and her Spirit Whisperer powers seem to have something to do with it as well. There’s more, but suffice it to say, we’re pretty sure we can do it.” He grimaced. “Maybe.”

  Kodyn nodded. “It’s our best shot of stopping the Iron Warlord,” he said. “If we can figure out what the vault’s hiding, we might be able to stop him from unleashing the Final Destruction. Steal it away before he can use it, at the very least.”

  Evren looked skeptical, but he shrugged. “I’m willing to give it a go.” He turned to Briana. “If you think you can convince the Pharus, then I’d say it’s worth a shot. With the palace under siege, it’s not like we’ve got much else to do.”

  Kodyn grinned. “Good, then that settles it.” He turned to Briana. “We’ll go with you to talk to the Pharus, see if we can convince him to—”

  “We can’t
all go,” Aisha said in a quiet voice. “I need to get to the Keeper’s Crypts.”

  Kodyn shot a glance at the Ghandian. “You’re thinking about curing the Stumblers?” He frowned. “The Secret Keepers are brewing up that potion that should fix the problem. Isn’t it more important to focus on this particular problem first?”

  Aisha shrugged. “Perhaps, but I still need the spirits.” She lifted the pendant from beneath her shirt, revealing the black stone. “Without them, I can’t open the vault.”

  Kodyn’s eyebrows shot up. “Of course!” The night Lady Callista had shown them the Vault of Ancients, the stone door had suddenly lit up when Aisha’s pendant drew near, the runes changing from their normal green glow to a deep blue. It had only lasted for a second, but there’d been no doubt that something had happened.

  He sucked in a breath. What if that’s what’s missing?

  Suroth had collected all the artifacts to study them, but he’d had no idea what they could truly do. The cylindrical artifact had only activated with Hailen’s blood, and it had been Aisha’s Spirit Whisperer powers that had brought the Dy’nashia to life.

  Suddenly, the prophecy flashed through his thoughts:

  When sword and scepter align

  The blood of ancients revived

  Child of secrets, child of spirits, child of gold

  Half-master seeks the relic of old

  Then Hallar’s blood shall rise

  And sew the final destruction from midnight eyes

  “Child of spirits.” The words slipped from his lips before he realized it.

  “What’s that?” Puzzlement twisted Briana’s face.

  “The words from the Prophecy of Final Destruction,” Kodyn said. “It spoke of the Child of Spirits.” His eyes rose to Aisha. “You said your father was a Spirit Whisperer, right?”

  Aisha nodded, and her confusion changed to awe in an instant. “Child…of spirits.”

  He turned to Briana. “Your father could never acknowledge you as his daughter. He had to keep your parentage a secret.”