Chapter Twenty-Two

Katanes, Baronial Palace

No sooner had Arta entered the stable tower than she found herself bowled over by several tons of excited izdakan. The great creatures knew their own strength, thankfully, and had been trained not to harm humans, so the encounter was merely embarrassing rather than lethal, but still, having a beaked head roughly the size of a human body shoved into one’s path was something that was, at best, startling.

Arta took a moment to catch her breath and then smiled; without raising from where she lay on her back, she reached her arms up and wrapped them in an embrace around the izdakan’s head, lifting her own head just enough to nuzzle the long beak. “Hi, Ezi,” the young queen said. “Been awhile, hasn’t it? I’ve missed you, too.”

Ezi slowly pulled back, allowing Arta to get to her feet; looking over her shoulder, she saw her guards watching apprehensively and held up a hand to let them know she was fine, before turning back to nuzzle Ezi’s beak. “I’m sorry I’ve been away so long, girl,” she whispered to the izdakan. “When I left for Carann I didn’t expect I’d be made queen, and it turns out that sort of thing doesn’t leave you much time for yourself. I wish I was back for a happier reason, but I’m not. I don’t know if we’ll be able to fly together before I leave, but I hope so.”

“You always did like it up here,” a voice said from behind her, and Arta turned to see her adoptive father entering the stables. They hadn’t had much of a chance to talk at dinner – several of the local minor nobles and ranking guildsmen from the city had been present as well, and had spent most of the meal grilling Arta on the rebellion and her plans for dealing with it, questions she’d mostly managed to dodge gracefully. This was the first time she’d been really able to look at the Baron since she’d been home; he appeared much as she remembered, tall and straight-backed with a quiet dignity, but also a warmth beneath that was there for those who knew to look for it.

Arta shrugged. “I liked the izdakans, and I liked to fly,” she said. “I still remember when you taught Karani and me to ride them.” It was something the Baron had done himself, not entrusted to a tutor. Arta could still recall sitting in front of her father in the saddle as he’d shown her how to handle the reins, and then watching as the world fell away beneath them when their mount leaped into the sky.

“I remember you were frightened of them, when I first brought you up here,” the Baron said, smiling. He walked over to Ezi and scratched her under her chin; the izdakan let out a contented thrum. “But they’re gentle things once you get to know them.” He turned back to Arta. “Walk with me,” he said, gesturing for her to follow.

They walked across the stable away from the guards and over to one of the open-air platforms from which the izdakan leaped into the sky; the golden sunlight was slowly falling into darkness, leaving the mountains below them in shadow, broken by the distant lights of Tannen City. The two of them were silent for some time as they watched the twilight scene below them, Ezi’s head revolving on its long neck to keep them in sight; finally, the Baron spoke. “I was proud of you today, Arta,” he said. “You kept your head under fire and led your forces to victory against a powerful foe. You did what a leader should.”

“Thank you, Father,” Arta said. “It sounds better than it was, when you put it that way. I didn’t do much but sit and watch; Lieutenant Rehan gave all the orders.”

“You knew to put her in command, and let her do her job,” the Baron said, smiling. “You’d be amazed how many nobles think that having a title means that they’re automatically experts and everything, all evidence to the contrary. A good leader knows how, and when, to delegate. And that it can be important to let yourself be seen, acting under fire and keeping your head – even if it doesn’t seem like it amounts to much, it can inspire those who serve under you to action, knowing that you’re sharing their risks.”

“You did that too today,” Arta said. “Maybe we should both be proud.” She paused. “It’s not over, though. Respen’s not going to give up just because we bloodied his nose.”

“No, I don’t think so,” the Baron said. “I have the defense force watching Respen’s squadron, and they haven’t made another move to attack yet, but neither have they left the system. I don’t know what they’re planning, but I doubt we’ve seen the last of them. We’ll be ready for them when they do come, though. As ready as we can be.”

“And I’m not leaving until Katanes is safe,” Arta replied, then she grinned slyly. “Karani would never forgive me if I made her leave and it meant she’d end up missing the action.”

The Baron chuckled. “That she wouldn’t,” he said. Karani had disappeared after dinner, and Arta wasn’t sure where she was; one of the guildsmen had a rather handsome nephew, though, and she wouldn’t be surprised if Karani hadn’t pulled him aside down a relatively private corridor. But she knew her words were true, in any case – Karani wasn’t someone to run from a fight, especially not if the people she cared about were threatened.

“Your friend didn’t say much, but she interested me,” the Baron said, pulling Arta back to reality. “Latharna – that’s a Realtran name. She’s the ambassador’s aide, isn’t she? The one who helped rescue you from those assassins?”

“That’s right,” Arta said. “Latharna Dhenloc. She’s very brave, and a very good person to have at your side in a fight. I’m lucky to have her.” And she’s pretty, and selfless, and a better person than she realizes she is, and I don’t know how to explain how she makes me feel, she thought, but didn’t dare say out loud. She hoped her feelings didn’t show on her face, or at least that the Baron didn’t recognize them.

But considering that he’d raised her from infancy, that was, perhaps, too much to ask. “I know that look, Arta,” he said, his expression softening. “And I can guess what it means. If you’re worried that I’m going to be the disapproving father who thinks no one is good enough for his little girl, you don’t have to be. If she makes you happy, then I’m glad you met her. But remember, Arta, people in our positions don’t always get to follow our hearts. Someday you may have to choose between your heart and our Kingdom. I pray you don’t have to, but… be ready for it, if it comes.”

“I know,” Arta said sadly, hanging her head. “Where is, Latharna, anyway?” she asked after a brief silence. “I haven’t seen her since dinner.”

“I thought I heard her asking Danash where the palace library was,” the Baron said; Arta looked up in surprise. Knowing Latharna, she’d have expected her to look for either the chapel or the training hall. “I’m sure she’s fine,” he continued, perhaps noticing Arta’s expression. “If there was anything unusual happening in the palace, I’d have been alerted to it.” A cool breeze blew in across the platform, rustling their hair. Outside, the sun had sunk behind the mountains.

“It’s getting cold out here,” the Baron said. “I think we’d best head back inside.” Turning to Arta, he put an arm around her shoulder. “I’m glad we were able to have this talk,” he said. “I’ve missed both my girls. I always knew the day would come when you’d have to leave us – but that doesn’t make it any easier.”

“Not for me, either,” Arta said, unexpectedly blinking tears from her eyes. “But I promise you, no matter how far I go or who I become, Katanes will always be my home, and you and Karani will always be my family.” On impulse she leaned forward and wrapped the Baron in a tight embrace.

Turning, they made their way back into the palace, stopping to bid good night to Ezi. As they were leaving the stables, the Baron paused, frowning. “All of this talk puts me in mind of the man who started all of this,” he said. “Shiran wasn’t with you. Have you seen him lately? Do you have any idea what he’s up to?”

“I don’t,” Arta said, frowning. That was a question worth considering; she hadn’t seen the Professor in months now. Where was he? And what was he doing?

She wasn’t sure if it was Adept’s instincts or just ordinary intuition, but she had a feeling she’d know the answer to that question before long.

///

The Baronial Library of Katanes wasn’t nearly as large as those Latharna had heard of on planets like Carann or Realtran Prime, or even the library of the Dansa Academy, where she’d spent so much time in her childhood, but it was still an impressive sight. Located on one of the lower floors of the palace, the library consisted of a large main hall and several side chambers, all of them lined with shelves containing countless books; in the center of the room were a number of computer terminals through which more information could be accessed. And yet for all that, the library had a rather homey, intimate feel, or so Latharna found herself thinking. Perhaps it was the simple fact that she was the only person here that made it feel like she had the entire place to herself, save for the mechs that hovered silently by as they patrolled the collection.

If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

After a quick query, one of those mechs had directed Latharna towards the books she sought; a collection of texts regarding ethical philosophy, theology, and, perhaps most importantly, codes of knighthood. Somewhere in these pages, she thought, she might be able to find something that would help her navigate the conflict in her soul and find the answers she needed. Could the bloodlust that she found inside herself whenever she was in a fight be put to a constructive, even noble end after all? Or was she, as she feared, little more than a murderer, a danger to everyone she met?

Unfortunately, most of the works she’d found seemed more interested in questions of abstract theory than actually providing useful answers, and so, Latharna thought, perhaps she could be forgiven if her interests had strayed to other, rather more exciting topics…

So engrossed was she in this latest book that she didn’t even hear the sound of approaching footsteps until someone cleared their throat loudly. Looking up, Latharna found herself staring into the face of Karani ast Katanes, who was standing with her arms folded.

“Looks like someone’s making themselves at home,” Karani said; she sounded annoyed, but their seemed to be a faintly amused look in her eyes that Latharna took as a good sign as she scrambled to her feet, her book dropping to the ground beside her. Not that standing alleviated the feeling that she was being loomed over; Latharna had always been tall for a girl, but Karani was at least another head taller.

“Lady Karani,” Latharna said, feeling that erring on the side of formality would be best; after all, Karani might be Arta’s sister but she didn’t really know her that well, and this was her house, after all. “I, ah, asked Master Danash if I could make use of the library and he gave me permission; I’m terribly sorry if I’ve been a poor guest, it wasn’t my intention.”

Karani rolled her eyes. “Don’t worry about it,” she said, and gestured towards a couple of chairs over by the computer terminals. “I just wanted to talk to you; take a seat.” She paused, regarding Latharna quizzically. “What did you want to read so badly, anyway?” Her eyes fell to the book Latharna had dropped, and the Realtran girl felt a sudden flush of embarrassment and fought the urge to grab it as fast as possible and stuff it back on the shelf.

Karani bent down and picked up the book, then turned it over to read the title. “The Noble Art of Courtly Love, by Lady Kassandra ast Tashir.” She looked up at Latharna and smirked. Latharna, flushing madly now, made a small sound that might have been “epp.”

Luckily, Karani didn’t seem angry; she dropped into one of the chairs, stretched her long legs out in front of her, and gestured for Latharna to take the seat opposite her. “Look, I know you’re sweet on my sister; you haven’t exactly been hiding it,” Karani said finally. “And you can stop acting like you think I’m going to bite your head off for everything you say. Honestly, I’m not that scary – Arta’s the serious one. I’m the fun one.”

“So, you’re, ah, not going to tell me to stay away from Arta if I know what’s good for me, then?” Latharna asked, suddenly feeling relieved.

Karani shrugged. “If I did, it wouldn’t matter – Arta’s queen, and she clearly wants you around, and it’s not like I can overrule the queen. Which is unfair, by the way, since I’m almost a year older than she is, but there you have it. But, I have, after much thought, decided I’m not even going to try, anyway. I’ll admit I didn’t like you at first. I mean, you came out of nowhere and were suddenly worming your way into Arta’s confidence – you were obviously a plant. But then you saved her life not once but twice, and that matters to me. So, I’ll swallow my pride – not easy, by the way – and admit I was wrong.” She held out a hand. “Peace?”

“Peace,” Latharna said, taking Karani’s hand and shaking it. “Thank you for saying that, La – Karani. I guess I was just worried you were watching me and, well, judging me. I mean, Arta did tell me you thought your last tutor was a spy, too.”

Karani shrugged again. “What can I say?” she asked. “The guy was suspicious. But he did take us to a cheap diner – which was surprisingly good, you should try it – and let me buy a wonderful hat, so that’s a tiny point in his favor. So, did you just come down here to look up love tips, or what?”

“Well, there were… other things on my mind,” Latharna said, but didn’t elaborate further. Some things she wasn’t ready to share, even if Karani was proving far more personable than expected. “But I’ve never met anyone as brave, and noble and selfless as your sister, and I guess I want to make sure I impress her. And I knew your country has a tradition of knights dedicating themselves and their service to the person they love…”

“Only if you’re a hopeless romantic,” Karani put in.

“…and I know I’m not really a knight,” Latharna continued, ignoring Karani’s comment, “but she is a queen, and when I came across that book – well, I just started reading and couldn’t help myself.” She sighed. “What am I even doing? I’m not a knight. I’m not from the Dozen Stars, and I’m not even a noble – I’m just an orphan from Realtran. I don’t even know if Arta likes girls.”

“Well, I can’t help you with the rest,” Karani said, “but I can tell you that  Igrew up with Arta and we talked about things like what celebrities we were crushing on, and I can assure you that she likes guys and girls.” She frowned. “Come to think, I have seen you and Pakorus together on Carann. And I’m pretty sure Pakorus likes Arta, too. My, what a tangle.”

Latharna buried her face in her hands.

“Don’t worry, I won’t take your head off if you wind up breaking her heart,” Karani said in a joking tone. “Not like I could, if you fight half as well as she says you do. Though I may have to write it all out, maybe get it published whatever happens – courtly romances are all the rage on Carann. I’d just have to change the names, but that’s easy.”

“Write a book?” Latharna asked. “I’m sorry, but you don’t really seem the type.”

Karani threw up her hands. “Why does everyone always think that?” she asked. “Just because I prefer being up doing things to sitting still being boring doesn’t mean I don’t know my way around books. Though I always was better at math anyway. Numbers make sense. People don’t.”

“I’ll try not to be offended,” Latharna said. “So, now that we’ve got that out of the way and I’ve thoroughly embarrassed myself, what did you come down here to talk about, anyway?”

“Well, we’ve kind of already covered it,” Karani said, looking, for once, unsure. “It’s just… back there on Tantos, when the rebels tried to kill Arta, you were there for her when I couldn’t be, and you saved her life. Again. And I just wanted to say thank you, and to apologize for ever doubting you. And for calling you creepy that one time. That was mean of me. But the point is, we ast Kataneses take family seriously. You saved my sister, and that means I’m in your debt. You ever need anything from me? Just ask.”

A sudden stab of warmth filled Latharna’s chest. “Thank you, Karani,” she said. “That means a lot to me, and I promise you, nobody will ever hurt Arta if I have anything to say about it.”

“Me neither,” Karani said. “You know, Dhenloc, you’re all right. And I don’t think anybody’s getting past the two of us, not even Darius ast bloody Sakran. If he tries, I’ll punch him in the face. Not too hard, though.”

“Why not?” Latharna asked.

Karani looked at her like she’d just said something ridiculous. “Because he might be a traitor, but he’s still the handsomest man in the Kingdom. I’m not ruining that face, thank you very much!”

Latharna couldn’t help herself; she burst out laughing.

///

Arta’s eyes snapped suddenly open.

She’d gone to sleep in her old bedroom, unchanged save for the royal guards stationed outside the door; she felt like several hours must have passed, and now every fiber in her being was crying out that she wasn’t alone. Arta lay very still, carefully controlling her breathing so that whoever the intruder was, they wouldn’t realize she was awake; she could hear the sound of footsteps walking around her bed. She waited carefully as they came closer, then leaped to her feet suddenly, hands outstretched before her, fingers blazing with blue light.

That light illuminated the face of a tall man, dark-skinned, with a close-cropped white beard and wise, patient eyes. He regarded Arta’s glowing hands and smiled. “You’ve been practicing, I see,” he said. “It’s always a pleasure for a teacher to know that his students have valued his teachings.”

“Shiran?” Arta asked, stunned. She lowered her hands, focusing on the blue light so that it flowed off her fingers and hung between the two of them, a glowing blue ball that flared brighter and illuminated the room. “Where have you been? What are you doing here? And why didn’t you wait until morning instead of nearly scaring me half to death?”

Shiran smiled sadly. “It’s good to see you, Arta,” he said. “As for your questions, the answers are not unrelated. I’ve been looking for information – and I’m not the only one, Midaia has as well – and what I’ve found disturbed me greatly. I decided you needed to know at once, and so when I heard you had left for Katanes, I came here as well. I had a feeling your guards might not take kindly to my arrival, so I didn’t give them the opportunity. And now, here we are.”

“Okay,” Ara said, her breathing and heartbeat steadying. “So, what were you looking for? And what did you find?”

“Like Midaia, I was seeking the origins of the Commander,” he said. “Unlike her, I attracted the wrong kind of attention. I had travelled to the Empire to interrogate some old contacts of mine when I was jumped by several of the Emperor’s pet Adepts. None of them was terribly powerful, but they had the advantage of numbers and I only just escaped. I did, however, manage to steal the wrist comm from one of them. The Empire quickly locked the device out of their network, of course, but before they did, I found some most intriguing information. Namely, that someone high in the Imperial ranks has been in regular contact with three dukes of the Dozen Stars – Naudar, Respen, and Sateira.”

Arta went cold. “Then that means…” she whispered.

“Yes,” Shiran said. “The Empire is behind this rebellion – or at least, in very deep, if not all the way at the bottom. I know all three of the rebel dukes, and I doubt they needed much encouragement. And this makes me wonder. When the assassins attacked the tournament, the first thing they did was have me attacked and drugged. They knew to expect me. So did whoever ordered those Adepts in the Empire to kill me. I have to wonder if the same hand hasn’t been pulling both sets of strings. Perhaps…” he shook his head. “No. You have enough to worry about without being burdened by an old man’s follies. Perhaps Midaia will have better luck. She’s much younger than I am and hasn’t had time to make as many powerful enemies. But I needed to warn you as soon as I could – this plot you face is deeper and more dangerous than you realize.”

“What do you recommend I do about it?” Arta asked, trying to sound calm even as her head was spinning.

“First, we need to deal with the rebels,” Shiran said. “They are the obvious and immediate threat. Then we can trace the strings back to whoever holds them…”

His words were cut off by a sudden siren echoing through the palace, a harsh, blaring sound – one Arta had never heard before in real life, but that she’d been trained to recognize. “That’s the air raid alert,” she whispered, pulling her sleeping robe more tightly around her as she realized what it meant. “We’re under attack.”