The Ring Keeper, page 14
With a shock, Callonen realized the man lying in the bed, swathed in bandages, was Toren. Callonen bent to one knee beside him.
“Captain Toren?”
“I’m sorry, Emperor,” Toren gasped, speaking only with great effort. “I should never have trusted him. I failed you, and I failed her.”
“It’s my fault,” Rosie exclaimed. “I was hurt, and Lady Cirana healed me. It was a miracle. I woke up to see Gavin drive his blade into Toren, and when I tried to stop him, he hit me. I sent the stable master and all the grooms after him.”
Callonen’s eyes returned to the bruising on her face.
Tears were running from Rosie’s eyes. “He took her.”
Callonen mounted a fresh horse and headed toward the border, sensing which way Gavin had gone. His guards hastily followed in his wake. They rode the rest of the day.
By the middle of the night, they reached the Warding. Gavin’s trail led slightly to the north, bypassing the company of the emperor’s army, heading straight for the border. Callonen continued to follow him, right up to the edge.
He would have continued. Ana was all he could think about. Nothing else mattered until he found her. But his horse snorted and sidestepped nervously. Callonen heard their voices before he saw them.
Shekkar. The demons stood in a line along the border, hissing and beckoning to him.
Callonen pulled his mount to a stop.
A man came up behind the demons. He still wore the uniform of the Emperor’s Guard.
“Gavin!” Callonen yelled, “Why would you betray us? Where is she?”
Gavin laughed. “She’s long gone, my emperor.” Sarcasm dripped from the title. Gavin looked at the Shekkar, who stood on either side of him, as if eagerly awaiting his command. He turned to Callonen with an icy smile. “Go ahead. Please. Ride on. Take just one step outside the Warding.”
Callonen yelled in frustration, and the demons shrieked back at him and reached out with their claws. His terrified horse reared and shied away from the border. Callonen dismounted and stood staring at them.
He confronted Gavin. “How did you hide from the Warding?”
“You think you know everything, that your precious Warding can’t be deceived,” Gavin sneered. “I’ve been planning this the entire time, and you never suspected.”
“What about Ana? You said you loved her!”
Gavin smiled slowly. “Oh, I do. And now she will remain in my care. And there’s nothing you can do to get her back. She will live the rest of her life in Ara, just like her mother.”
“No!” The cry ripped from Callonen’s chest. It felt as if his heart had torn in two, parting along the jagged, unhealed wound formed by losing Allia.
Callonen couldn’t stand it. He lunged forward, but hands seized him from both sides, holding him back. He struggled against them with all his strength.
Gavin stood just out of reach, laughing at him, and the demons begged him to come. Only one thing mattered in his mind.
They had Ana.
Callonen screamed at them, all thought and reason gone from his mind, raging and struggling against the men who restrained him. He would kill Gavin. With his bare hands, he would rip the man apart. It didn’t matter if the demons tried to stop him. He didn’t care if the empire fell and they all died.
He had to save Ana.
PART TWO: BETRAYAL
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
Year of Warding 21, White City, Sarine
Allia
ALLIA FELT A QUIVER OF EXCITEMENT in her middle as the wagon rolled through the gates of the White City. The spring weather was warm, and a cloudless blue sky arched overhead.
The wagon was driven by Bend, the old farmer who had been a neighbor and family friend for many years. “The palace won’t be hard to find. Are you sure they’ll give you a job?”
Allia patted her pocket. “I have a letter here for my mother’s old friend Mara, who runs the place. I think they will. And if they don’t, I’ll remind them I am the granddaughter of Zarekathus, the most famous wizard in all of Sarine. And without him, our nation wouldn’t exist. I’ve even met the emperor.”
Bend raised his eyebrows. “It’s not nice to tease an old farmer. How does a girl from the country meet an emperor?”
“I’m not teasing you. It’s true. Years ago, he came to help my grandfather, but by the time he arrived, it was too late.”
Bend patted her shoulder awkwardly. “I’m sorry. Everyone respected Zarekathus. We all grieved when he died. And your mother. I’m sorry, Allia.”
A moment of silence fell as they thought of the departed.
Allia took a deep breath and squared her shoulders. “We miss them, but we have to go on.”
“So, you’re going to march up that hill and ask for an audience with the emperor? Are you looking for a job or do you expect them to polish a throne for you?” Bend teased, his heavy wrinkles deepening as he smiled.
“I’m not asking for an audience. He’s the emperor, and I’m sure he doesn’t remember me. But a job will be fine,” she assured him. “It won’t be any harder than the work I’m used to on the farm.”
“Well, if it goes badly or you change your mind, meet me back here. I’ll be on my way home as soon as I sell these.” He gestured to the back of his wagon, loaded with spring produce.
“Thanks, Bend, but I’ll be staying. I appreciate the ride, though.” She jumped down from the seat as the old farmer pulled his horses to a stop.
Bend grinned. “I’ll tell your brothers you got here safely.” He looked up the hill toward the tall white towers that crowned the city.
Allia left the farmer with a wave, slung her bag over her shoulder, and walked up the hill.
Horses, carts, carriages and people of all descriptions thronged the streets; everyone from farmers and tradesmen to elaborately dressed nobles traveling with impressive entourages.
Allia wore simple clothes, but she was eighteen and out on her own for the first time in her life. She would look for something new to wear after she’d earned some money.
Following the street up the hill, she came to the back entrance of the tall white palace. Several armed men dressed in spotless white tunics trimmed with gold guarded the gate, and Allia felt their eyes on her as she approached the nearest one.
He stepped into her path. “You have business in the palace today, my lady?” he asked. “I’ve never seen you here before.”
“I’m here to see Mara, the head of the household. I have a letter for her.” She held up the folded parchment for the guard to see.
His gaze moved from the letter to her face, lingering on the golden waves of her hair, and his smile became charming.
She could sense that he felt… attraction, and she felt her cheeks heat.
“Would you like me to guide you?” he asked, smiling and bowing.
“You’re very courteous, but no, thank you,” she said. “I’m sure I can find her.”
“Very well,” he replied. “Go through those doors to the end of the hall and turn right to the kitchens. If she’s not there, the cook will help you find her.”
“Thank you.”
The guard watched disappointedly as she walked through the doorway.
Would all the soldiers be that… friendly? If so, she would have to be on her guard.
Allia walked down a long hall with several doors and side passages opening off it. She heard many voices and footsteps coming from behind her, and the space that had been empty became packed with people. The crowd carried her along until she stepped into an empty passage to let them go by. Many were soldiers in dark-green uniforms, dusty and tired, and she guessed they’d been practicing their drills.
She realized she wasn’t alone. Someone else was already there. A soldier stood leaning against the wall, with one hand gripping his opposite arm.
“Hello,” she said, still focused on the crowded hall she’d just left. “I decided to let everyone pass.”
“Hello,” he responded.
He had dark hair that fell in untidy waves over his forehead, but as soon as Allia looked at him directly, she noticed an uncomfortable tightness in his expression. And now that she was nearer to him, she could sense a nagging pain. Was he injured? “What’s wrong?”
He maintained the hold on his arm. “Nothing. I’m all right.”
Her younger brothers used the same sort of tone when they didn’t want anyone to know that something bothered them. “But you’re hurt?”
He shook his head. “It’s minor.”
“It is hurting you,” she pointed out. “Can I help?”
“All right.” He held out his left arm, pointing to the strap of his armor. “The buckle is stuck. Will you loosen it, please?” He shook his head. “I can’t believe I let him hit me that hard.”
“Someone tried to hurt you?”
His dark eyes widened at the suggestion, and he shook his head. “It was only practice.”
As he straightened up, she realized he was taller than she’d thought. Stepping close, she examined the armor covering his upper arm. One edge of the plate had been bent, driving the metal into his flesh. Allia quickly released the buckle and took the plate away. Blood soaked through the torn edges of the dark-green fabric of his sleeve. She pulled a clean handkerchief from her pocket, folded it, and held it against the wound.
“Keep pressure on it,” she instructed, removing her hand as he put his in its place.
“That’s an interesting ring.” He nodded toward her finger and the ring set with a green stone.
“It was a gift from my grandfather.” For the second time that day, memories of him flooded through her. She’d been only twelve when he died. She’d loved her grandfather deeply and spent every free moment with him. It had been a sound that had drawn her to his workshop that day, an explosion shattering wood and glass. Allia had run to him and found him bleeding on the floor.
The memory of holding her apron against the wound and feeling his warm blood soaking the fabric would stay with her forever. She couldn’t forget the way he’d tried to speak, but barely managed to say her name. Yet he’d put out his hand to her. It held a small box, inside of which had been the ring.
She had worn it ever since, cherishing it and her memories of him.
The crowd in the hall had dissipated and quiet returned.
“Thank you for your help,” the soldier said, taking a deep breath. “That’s already so much better. It’s very kind of you.”
“Of course.”
He felt better. She could sense his pain easing and felt his gratitude. He smiled at her, which made him even more attractive. Maybe it had been a good idea to come to the city. Hopefully, there would be another chance to talk with him. She opened her mouth to ask his name, but more footsteps approached.
“He’s here,” another armored man called, spotting them.
“I’d better go,” the dark-haired soldier said. “Thank you again for your help.”
He joined his friend and disappeared. Allia’s eyes followed him, already looking forward to seeing him again.
In the vast kitchen, Allia found Mara, a stout woman with iron-gray hair, which she wore combed back and done up tightly.
“My mother passed away four months ago. She wrote this for you,” Allia said as she handed the parchment to the head of the household.
Mara’s stern face seemed sad as she read the letter.
“Your mother and I grew up together and were good friends for many years,” Mara said. “I was sorry to hear of her passing… In the letter, she’s asked me to give you a position here, and I can certainly use the help. Even so, you mustn’t expect me to treat you any differently from the others.”
“No, of course not,” Allia said.
“Then welcome, Allia. I’ll give you the usual wages. Tess!” Mara called to a red-haired girl passing by with an armful of linens. “Please show Allia around and then find her a room. Explain her duties and the rules.”
“Yes, ma’am,” Tess said. She handed the linens to another girl. “Follow me.”
The palace seemed even bigger than Allia had first thought, and as she saw more and more of it, she felt a little bewildered. They climbed stairs, turned corners, and followed passages.
“Thank you for showing me,” Allia said.
“It’s no trouble,” Tess replied with a welcoming smile. “It’s more fun than making beds.”
Allia smiled back, appreciating the friendliness she sensed from Tess and liking her immediately. “Have you been here long? Do you like it?”
“It’s not perfect. But I’m happy here. Where are you from?”
The two girls chatted happily as they walked along. Allia told Tess about the farm and her brothers, and Tess explained that she’d lived and worked in the palace since she was eleven, when her father had died, leaving her an orphan.
“Oh, I’m sorry,” Allia said.
“Don’t worry,” Tess assured her. “Mara may seem a little serious and she does keep everyone on their best behavior, but underneath, she’s really very kind. She’s been like… like… Well, at least like an aunt to me.”
Together, they laughed.
Tess showed Allia a small room containing a bed, a chair, and a tiny table. “The one next door is mine,” Tess said, pointing.
There was a shelf for storage and hooks to hang her clothes. Tess brought sheets, a blanket and pillow, and together they made the bed. Allia put away the things she had brought. There wasn’t much, only a few clothes, a beautiful hair comb that had belonged to her mother, and an old ring her father had worn for years. Allia hid the comb behind her clean stockings, then threaded his ring onto a ribbon and hung it around her neck.
When she changed into the dress Tess had given her, she tucked it out of sight beneath her collar. The dress was unremarkable. All the palace staff wore the same plain gray dresses and white aprons.
When Allia’s bed had been made and her belongings unpacked, they went back out into the long hall, and Tess pointed up and down the corridor. “These are all the girl’s rooms,” she said. “Mara doesn’t allow any men in here at all. If we ever want to have guests, we have to stay in the common room.”
“Guests?” Allia asked, laughing. “Do many of the girls invite men over?” Unbidden, her mind rushed back to the memory of the young man she’d met earlier.
Tess shrugged. “Some do, but they don’t invite them here. If Mara caught them, she’d dismiss them. And that’s another thing to remember. She always knows everything that goes on here. Don’t forget that if you meet someone and want some privacy.”
Allia’s cheeks warmed at the memory of the dark-haired soldier’s handsome smile. She’d come to the city wanting to start a new life, and this was not something she had given much thought to before today. “I’ll remember.”
“Of course it can happen,” Tess said. “There’s an entire legion of soldiers, not to mention the Emperor’s Guard. Most of them are young. Captain Talon is an admirable man, but he’s married already. His second-in-command is well worth looking at though, big shoulders, blue eyes.”
Allia stared at Tess. “Well? What’s his name?”
“Harrow.”
“I see,” Allia said. “And are you thinking of… becoming friends with him?”
For a moment, Tess looked bashful, and then she smiled. “Maybe,” she said, blushing. “But don’t tease me. I haven’t even talked to him.”
“Yet,” Allia corrected.
“All right. I haven’t talked to him yet. Now come on, I’ll show you the common room.”
The large room held a fireplace with a cozy hearth at one end. Several soft chairs clustered around it, pleasantly spaced for conversation. At the other end of the room sat several long tables and benches.
“We come here when we have free time,” Tess said. “We usually have our meals here. The stairs to the kitchen are just through there.” She pointed to a doorway on the far wall.
“It’s nice,” Allia said. Nothing fancy, but a pleasant room.
Together, they went back to work. Allia followed Tess, and they finished out the day together. By the time they had completed their tasks, they were fast friends.
Tess introduced Allia to the rest of the household staff in the common room while they ate dinner. When the meal ended, they played games for an hour and chatted about their day. As the fire burned down, they realized that morning would arrive all too soon, so everyone went to bed.
The next morning, Mara assigned Tess and Allia a list of cleaning chores, and they took their supplies and headed for the guest rooms.
As they turned a corner, Allia ran into someone coming the other way. He was tall, and her nose bumped awkwardly into his chest.
“I’m sorr—” She reeled backward from the young man, who was dark-haired and richly dressed.
She’d never sensed anyone filled with such venomous anger. The heat of it almost knocked her down. He wore a calm expression, his face displaying none of what she perceived on the inside. He was the same soldier she had helped with his armor yesterday. Only now, he barely looked at her.
“My apologies. I hope you’re not hurt?” His voice betrayed none of the anger he felt. In fact, there was no emotion in his tone at all.
“No,” she managed to say. Allia felt frozen, terrified. It was the first time she’d encountered anyone feeling an emotion that intense. How could he hide it? A person who felt that much hostility should be screaming, yelling, even attacking someone.
“Then may I get by?” His mildly irritated glance showed no trace of recognition or his inner feelings.
“We apologize, Your Highness,” Tess answered for her, pulling Allia to one side. In a moment, the young man was gone.
She took a breath—her first since the encounter.
“What’s wrong?” Tess stared at her. “You’re white as a sheet. Are you ill?”
