The List Unseen, page 22
part #4 of Second Draeken War Series
Flickers of blue light escaped her fingers as she used her magic, but every few seconds she turned her attention back to the sphere of air. Most importantly, she used her sight to scan the river ahead. They needed the speed but it came with a cost.
"Rock, right side," she said. "Veer left."
They leaned together while she helped to direct their movements. Although it was small, the rudder also aided their curving turn.
"Woah," Mazer said, jerking away as a boulder the size of a house appeared in the gloom. Leaning out from the bank, it reached towards them until they brushed past it. In seconds it had disappeared in their wake. Then their boat shuddered as it scraped something on the bottom, followed by a rending of metal as an unseen rock tore the rudder off.
Ianna was too immersed in her sight and magic to care. Ignoring Mazer's response, she felt tingles of heat flood her body as they continued to guide them. She couldn't imagine what he saw, blinded to anything except the dark water.
Her eyes saw so much more.
Threads of blue coursed past her, lit by the energy in the water. Rocks and boulders stood out in stark contrast, their darker shapes blanketed in the green light of algae. Like stars in the blue liquid, fish swam against the current, their sleek bodies illuminated by her sight.
"Bank right," she said, feeling an intense joy as they curved the boat past a submerged log.
"This is better than my youth," Mazer murmured, and she could hear the smile in his voice.
She flashed him a wild grin, both from his comment and the sensation of complete unity with such a powerful force. No ship or swimmer had ever felt the total thrill that she felt know. Riding the current towards Azertorn they would be hidden from even the sharpest sentry.
Their motion increased as the river's bottom became steeper, and it drove them forward in its desire to reach the cliff. Then she saw their destination. At the far edge of her sight she saw the rock split as the river separated.
"Get ready," she said, "ten seconds until we hit the divide."
He lowered himself onto the craft and tightened his grip on the mast. His face a mask of determination, he nodded.
"Here it is," she said, her voice rising as she braced herself.
Without her stabilizing them they would have been shredded by the ferocious tumult, but she couldn't subdue it entirely. Their entire ship shook with the force as they rushed towards the right branch. Her heart thundered in her ears as she turned them back towards the left.
Thirty seconds to the drop, she thought, bringing them as close as she dared to the stone below the city walls. They passed three grates as she did. In a flash they appeared and disappeared in the gloom.
Was that the last one? Are we too late?
She quashed her doubts but couldn't silence her nerves. Then she saw the next water gate. Turning towards it she said, "Two seconds, shoulder height."
She threw a look backward and called all her magic to bear. In a flash of blue the water behind them split, creating a temporary eddy that slowed them to a crawl. Mazer released the sail and reached out to the bars.
Ianna fought to slow their movement but the river was too strong. Far more powerful than her it pressed against her eddy, squeezing it until they began to accelerate again. Gritting her teeth she fought back, her breath coming in ragged gasps as she prayed that Mazer could—
Her body jarred to the side as he caught one of the bars—causing her to lose her focus. In an instant the air bubble was crushed and the river slammed into her, tearing the boat free of her grip. It disappeared from view as Mazer's hand tightened on hers but she'd already swallowed water. Her body waving like a flag she coughed for a breath that wouldn't come.
Panic engulfed her, but her survival instinct saved her. Air filled her mouth as she filtered it directly from the churning water. Clinging to Mazer, bouncing against the stone, she focused on the simple act of breathing. Her mind buzzing she expanded the air until it became a bubble that enveloped Mazer's head as well.
His gasp revealed his desperation, and she felt a flash of gratitude for his tenacity.
"Sorry," she coughed.
His chest heaved as he sucked in. "You alright?"
"I'm not dead."
"Yet," he replied, his voice grim. "I can't pull you towards me. The current's too strong. Even if I could, it will crush us into the bars. Are you up to slowing it again?"
Without the boat she didn't have to redirect as much, but this time fatigue warred with her magic. She managed to slow the water, but not as much as she had before. Grunting from the exertion Mazer drew her in front of the grate.
"Can you get the bars?" Ianna asked, her voice tight. "I don't know how much longer I can keep the bubble going."
"I'm just glad we didn't go over the falls," he said with a shudder. "It would be the worst end I could imagine."
She grunted in agreement and focused on keeping them alive as he set to work on the release mechanism. Designed to be removed for cleaning, it was nevertheless a tricky device. Fortunately it had been built by dwarven smiths—and Mazer had learned from the best.
A click signaled the first release. Before she could ask he'd disconnected a second one. She followed him through the gap, and then waited for him to replace them. They had decided that—if it were possible—their entry should go undetected. Ianna's last move would help with that.
Reaching into the rock on the outside of the opening, she found a fracture line and snapped it. Maintaining control of the water, she pushed the stone to block the entrance. The flow inside the tube slowed to a trickle as the rock filled the opening. If it was discovered, it would most likely be deemed a natural blockage. Relieved but light-headed, she released her control of the river’s current.
"Well, the easy part's done," he said.
She flashed him a wry grin but didn't disagree. Turning into the tube, she allowed the diminished current to drive them into the darkness. The tight grip of Mazer's hand kept them together as they entered the city.
They were in.
Chapter 28: The Queen's Cup
Ianna surfaced inside the pond of a garden and paused to ensure that no one was in sight. Slipping from the water, she ducked behind a tree and crouched next to Mazer. Surrounded by trees and vegetation, it was impossible to discern direction. The only clue to their location was the size of the garden. At twenty paces and oval in shape it was likely owned by one of the smaller houses.
"Any idea where we are?" he whispered.
"Not yet," she murmured, "but I think we are in one of the private gardens, so we must be on one of the lower tiers. Give me a moment and then we can take a look."
Accepting the treated pouch that Mazer had carried, she withdrew a set of dry clothes and ducked behind a tree to change. Stripping, she shivered in the cool night air. Her lips twitched into a smile when she caught Mazer's glance at her bare back.
"Are those wandering eyes keeping watch?" she murmured, her words muffled as she pulled on a dry tunic.
"Of course," he replied. The smile was evident in his tone.
Finishing, Ianna slid past him, her hand lingering on his arm as she stepped out of the way. He chuckled under his breath as he changed. As he did, she couldn't resist the urge to take a peek herself. The compulsion to do so made her wonder how much of her guard she'd let down. Since she'd admitted the truth a great weight had lifted from her shoulders. It didn't diminish the tension she felt for their tasks, rather it had alleviated something on a personal level. She had yet to figure out what.
Lost in thought, she started when he put a hand on her shoulder. "Ready?" he whispered.
She bobbed her head in the darkness. "Do you think you can boost me onto the roof?"
He nodded and cupped his hands. Stepping into them, she was lifted up until she could reach the gnarled wood. She pulled herself up and then crawled to the top. Then she eased her head up and looked around.
With the partial moon and countless flameless torches lighting the view, she was able to see that they had emerged on the sixth tier of Azertorn. Just as every time she viewed it, the capital of the elven nation elicited a twinge of pride.
Magically enhanced plant life blanketed everything in sight. Flowers bloomed in a variety of type and color next to sculpted trees and shrubs. Vine covered walls and archways sat next to gurgling brooks and cascading waterfalls. The scent of fruit caressed the air as the musical cadence of flowing water hummed in the background.
Private and public gardens dotted the seven visible tiers of the city. Grown to the taste of their perspective gardeners, some were rife with flowers while others boasted swirling waterways. Rising above the rooftops, the crests of giant trees could be seen swaying in the breeze. Living platforms and rooms had been shaped into their branches, providing exterior terraces for residents.
Shaped in concentric half-circles, each level boasted an unimpeded view of Le Runtáriel and the great expanse of forest below. Located at the exact center of the lowest tier the great tree reached over five hundred feet in height. Joining the two sides of the city, her enormous branches bridged the gap. Centuries of magic had shaped them into living pathways. Smaller branches formed railings, platforms, and a spiral staircase around the broad trunk.
Smiling to herself, Ianna reached her senses out to the Tree. Typically conveyed in emotions or images rather than words, the Tree expressed joy at her return, and asked how the sun and rain had been since last they met. After a moment's thought, Ianna pictured the sun rising on Teardrop Island. Then she told her that she needed help. Ianna felt a single phrase touch her mind in response.
I am at your service, my Oracle.
Ianna was stunned. She'd hoped for the Tree's aid, but had never imagined she would be so willing. As a rule Le Runtáriel maintained a distance with the plant magi that tended to her needs, and she had never been so forthcoming with anyone as far as she knew. Feeling a rush of gratitude for whatever had prompted the response, Ianna did her best to express her need for secrecy. Although not as sentient as the Tree many of the other trees would inform the guard if intruders were spotted.
But they obeyed the Tree first, and that was what Ianna was counting on.
"Everything okay?" Mazer whispered, startling her.
"Give me a moment," she replied, and then waited for a response from the Tree.
A ghost of a smile crossed her face as she retreated from the rooftop. A moment later she was back in the garden beside Mazer. In a hushed voice, she said, "The Tree is informing the others in the city to not reveal our presence."
Mazer's expression was startled. "They would do that?"
"Without meaning to, yes. They act as a line of defense in case of intruders."
"I didn't know that Le Runtáriel spoke to anyone."
"She doesn't often, and only to those she counts as friends."
Mazer grunted in acknowledgment and swept a hand towards the city. "So where are we?"
"Just as we hoped, we came out on the east side. The palace is up three levels and on the north point of the curve. I estimate that it's a few miles from here."
He scowled. "If the guards patrol as you said it will take hours to get there—and then we will be hard pressed to escape before dawn."
"Then we'd better get moving," she said.
***
Three harrowing hours of sneaking past patrols and they had finally reached the palace. Leading him to a secret side entrance, Ianna paused within view of her goal. Across the roadway a twisting tree grew adjacent to a large boulder.
"Is that it?" Mazer asked.
She blinked at the creeping exhaustion and nodded. "There is a knot on the tree that opens a hidden door in the stone. From there the tunnel will take us to the queen's chamber."
"And no one knows about it?"
"Only a handful. It's meant as an escape in case of an attack on the queen."
Mazer shifted and gestured to it. "Is it always guarded?"
She frowned and squinted through the flickering light. Seeing no one, she shifted into her sight and spotted the energy of two guards hidden on either side of the exit. She frowned at her oversight. Perhaps she was more tired than she thought.
"I have never seen guards there before," she said.
"What about the city?" Mazer replied, pointing with his chin towards a passing patrol. "Are there usually this many soldiers?"
She considered his question and realized there had been a significant increase since the last time she had been in Azertorn. "No," she replied, worry coloring her tone. "Why would there be so now?"
He pointed at her, causing her to flush.
"You think they are here for me?" she asked.
"When we arrived there weren't as many in the streets," he whispered. "Someone sent them out. They must know we are here."
"But how is that possible?" she asked. "We have avoided detection and the Tree would not have betrayed me, nor the other trees betray her."
His eyebrows knit, and his frown revealed his confusion. "What are we going to do? Find a place to hide and try again tomorrow?"
Dismay and panic crept into her heart. "We will be caught if we do—and you know what happens after that."
Mazer's lips tightened. "Is there another way in?"
After a moment's pause she shook her head.
"Even with your farsight? Nothing?"
"I cannot see what I do not know to look for."
He scowled and looked away. Then his gaze snapped back to her. "How much do you trust the queen?"
"Why?" she asked, startled by his question.
"If she knew even a part of what was coming, would she choose to take the poison herself?"
She blinked, and then realized what he meant. "You mean to draw her out?"
He shrugged, but the movement was barely discernible in the shadows. "If we can't get to her perhaps we can convince her to come to us. But if we do, we will have to reveal the truth." He paused, leaning closer to her. "Will she trust you?"
She shook her head, but not in the negative. She didn't know the answer. The elven queen had been a dear friend for centuries, but was that bond enough? Even if Ianna attempted her farsight she doubted she could find the answer. In truth she was terrified of how the queen would react if she learned it had been Ianna who poisoned her. That very fear would prevent her from seeing the queen's response.
But did they have a choice?
"What do you suggest?" Ianna asked.
Twenty minutes later they stood in one of the more obscure gardens near the palace, waiting. Le Runtáriel had been happy to pass on a message requesting the queen's presence. Crafted to sound like an urgent summons from the House of Runya, it would reach the queen through one of the trees that grew in her bedchamber. They could only hope that she would respond.
Five minutes later a rustling at the entrance announced someone's arrival. Dressed in a flowing cloak the queen stepped into the garden, a single bodyguard at her side. Motioning for him to remain there, she glided through a gap in the trees.
"Lariel?" she asked. "Are you here?"
Steeling herself for what she was about to do, Ianna stepped from the shadows. "I am sorry for the deception Ayame, but I could not afford detection."
Startled at her appearance, the queen recovered quickly. Closing the distance in a rush she embraced Ianna.
"You are safe," she choked through a whisper. "I feared the worst when that man took you."
Ianna almost laughed as she pulled away. "I was not taken, Ayame. I left by choice."
"But Sarow said—"
"He was mistaken."
Ayame frowned. "Why would he have cause to deceive me?"
"Because he is the cause of my departure."
"Perhaps there is much we have to discuss," she said, disapproval lacing her tone at the archmage. "Let's return to my home and speak in safety."
Ianna sighed and looked away. "I fear I am far from safe here."
"Because of the intruder?" she dismissed that thought with a wave. "The guard and the army are searching for . . ." Realization lit her eyes, then they narrowed. "It is you they search for."
"Yes."
"But why? You are here, and safe. Why do you not reveal yourself?"
Ianna took a breath to steady herself. "Because there are things I cannot do from captivity, and that is what I will return to if Sarow has his way."
"What things?"
"I must ask you to trust me, my queen," Ianna said, her voice pleading. "For I cannot reveal everything. All I can say is that I need your help."
Ayame reached out to take her hand. "You are as dear to me as a sister, Ianna. You may ask what you will and I am at your service."
"Even if I need to poison you?"
At her words the queen's guard materialized between them, a dagger directed towards Ianna. In a flash of movement, Mazer darted out of the shadows, his sword unsheathed and ready.
"Ren," Ayame said, her tone sharp. "I am among friends."
"But I heard—
"Ren," the queen said, and the guard reluctantly lowered his dagger. At a touch from Ianna Mazer withdrew his blade as well.
Ayame returned her gaze to Ianna, and asked, "Why?"
Ianna let out a slow breath. Then she said, "Something is coming, Ayame, something that will threaten all the kingdoms of Lumineia. All life will stand on the brink of death, and will not be victorious unless certain things are altered."
"Like me being poisoned," Ayame stated.
"Yes," Ianna replied, swallowing the knot in her throat. Why must I do this to my friend?
The queen stared into space. Then she asked, "Will it mean my death?"
"Perhaps," Ianna said, and wished she could say for certain.
"Will it save my people?" Ayame said, her piercing gaze returning to Ianna.
"It will give them a chance."
Ayame sighed, her shoulders sinking. "What would you have me do?"
"Wait four months and twelve days, and then take this," Ianna said. Reaching into a pouch at her side she withdrew a tiny black seed. Returning it to its case, she handed it over. "We had intended crushing it into the bottom of your cup to dilute it. If we had, the effects would not have begun until then. Consuming it directly will be faster."
