The Edge of Shadow, page 3
part #5 of The Kin of Kings Series
“Psychics!” Terren called. “Come down here—everyone who questioned people earlier.”
Vithos and Reela joined the psychics powerful enough to detect lies as they came down to surround Sanya. There were only about twenty of them, plenty for interrogating just one person. But with fifty psychics entering the school per year, and six instructors, Cleve would’ve liked to have seen more. Like chemists, many of them were nearly useless during battle, and it seemed as if yesterday was not the last time they would fight.
“I have nothing to gain by lying,” Sanya said. “I came here because you need my help now more than ever.” Softly, she added, “And I can’t run from my guilt anymore.”
“Get out everything you know,” Terren said.
Sanya seemed nervous as she tried to speak, her words catching. “Troo-many of the troops who came here with Ulric from Greenedge have fought before. They’re…are skilled and more dangerous than Tauwin’s men…and none of them left Kyrro like Ulric made you believe.” She seemed to be finding her voice. “That’s why there were so many on the battlefield yesterday. But even they did not know Ulric was still alive. Now they do, and they are eager to finish this war. I have no idea when Ulric will order them to attack, but it could be as soon as today.”
“If all of this is true,” Terren said, “then why didn’t you come here to tell us after the battle yesterday?”
“I tried, but my injuries kept me from covering the necessary distance. Injuries that I got fighting your enemies, alongside Abith Max.” She took in a deep breath and addressed the audience with a slight turn as she spoke. “I know I’ve done some terrible things, but—”
“This isn’t your trial, Sanya,” Terren interrupted.
She froze with her mouth still open. The fresh fear on her face reminded Cleve of how she’d looked when she’d faced Peter during evaluation week. It was right after she’d found out that he wanted to punish her for trying to join the warriors.
“Tell us what else you know,” Terren urged.
“And then what?” she asked him so faintly that Cleve could barely hear.
Terren answered loudly, “And then you’ll be put in a cell until your trial.”
“But I’ll be killed if you send me back to the capital—so will anyone who escorts me there.”
“There is a cell for you here at the Academy,” Terren said.
The audience sounded confused as questions arose all around about where a prison could be on campus. But Cleve knew exactly what Terren was referring to. In the storage house, there was a cage of metal bars in the far corner of the weapons section.
It wasn’t exactly private, as dozens of people would be in and out throughout the day for weapons and armor, but it would do. How they would execute Sanya when she was found to be guilty, however, Cleve had no idea. He supposed someone would take off her head. He felt a chill as he wondered whether Terren might give the choice to him. He had been Alex’s close friend and had a bastial steel sword, so it seemed appropriate.
“Speak,” Terren demanded. “Or was that already everything you have to offer us?”
Sanya scowled in sudden anger. “I came here to fight against Ulric’s army with you.” She spoke as if they would all be fools for not taking her in. It brought out a roar of snide laughter from many in the audience, Effie included.
“Terren would never,” Effie whispered, as if to reassure herself.
But while she was whispering, Cleve caught Basen speaking to Sanya. “Tell them what you told me.”
Sanya stared at Basen, hesitating. He stepped back and pointed at the audience. “Tell them,” he said loudly enough this time for everyone to hear. “Tell them what you said while we were waiting. Go on.”
She shook her head and looked at Terren, still waiting for the answer as to whether she could fight with them.
“Nothing will be decided right now,” Terren said. “You will now be taken to prison.”
Sanya visibly tensed as if preparing to fight. It caused Cleve and many others to stand.
“Stop,” Terren commanded. “Sanya will be taken there peacefully, and she will cooperate. She must know that doing so is her only chance of survival.”
“She cannot survive, Terren!” Effie yelled.
“And even with her cooperation,” Terren announced, “of course she might still be executed for her crimes.”
“Might?” Effie replied with many others.
“I’m prepared to face whatever is decided,” Sanya yelled.
Terren gestured for the guards to approach, then gave them instructions too quiet for Cleve to hear.
As people began to complain, Terren shouted, “Return to battle training!” He turned and said something to Abith, who nodded.
“She’s a fool to come here,” Effie muttered to herself, then scoffed. “She thinks we’d let her live just because she feels guilty and wants to help?”
Cleve hurried down the stairs and jumped into the arena, then made his way through the dispersing crowd to get to Terren. His uncle was already out of the stadium, escorting Sanya with the help of others. Abith strolled casually at his side. Damn, Cleve needed to speak to Terren without Abith there. He had to know why his uncle hadn’t forced his rival to answer harder questions, especially after Abith had shown he was hiding something. Cleve came upon them as they were in the middle of a conversation.
“You know she’s not the one you have to worry about,” Abith said, then looked over his shoulder and spotted Cleve. Abith said nothing as he turned back, while Terren hadn’t yet noticed his nephew.
“I know,” Terren said in an even tone. “What’s his name?”
“Cassius Lane,” Abith answered.
Probably the man who’d met with Crea. Where have I heard that name before?
“Are you sure that’s him?” Terren asked.
“So you’ve heard of him.”
Then Cleve remembered. Cassius was an officer in the last war. His name had been spoken in conversation between Alex’s older brother and other officers of the king’s army. Terren seemed to care little about Sanya in front of him as he glanced around to check for eavesdroppers, finally catching sight of Cleve.
“What is it?”
“I was going to tell you the same advice as Abith,” Cleve lied. “Cassius should not be let out of sight.”
“What else?”
“Nothing.”
Abith smirked. “You’re not a good liar, Cleve.” He put up his hands. “Don’t worry, I have to go anyway. I won’t hear all the flattering things you have to say about me.” He casually walked away from the group, toward a few of his men who had noticed him beside Terren and didn’t seem to approve.
“You don’t need to worry about Abith,” Terren said, not quietly enough to keep it from the ears of the guards around them. They did well to hide that they were listening, as did Sanya, all looking straight ahead.
“You should be more worried about Abith,” Cleve told his uncle.
But Terren shook his head. “You have to trust me, Cleve. I know what I’m doing. That’s all I can tell you for now.” He made a quick sweep of his hand to gesture at Sanya and the others around them.
At least there was some reason why Terren wouldn’t push Abith to answer direct questions about his loyalty in front of psychics. Perhaps he was still the old Terren, always a step ahead of his enemies, and Jackrie’s illness wasn’t affecting him as much as Cleve first thought.
Jackrie. Cleve looked around until he found her walking the opposite way, toward the mage classrooms with many of her students. Were he and Terren the only ones who knew the truth about her? Cleve thought of who he should tell but couldn’t come up with any names.
Sanya limped ever slower. This was not how Cleve imagined her capture. There was supposed to be a chase, an epic struggle, and then a celebration. There was still time for the celebration part, however.
After her execution, there had better be the satisfaction he greatly anticipated. Only then would the hole in his heart finally close.
CHAPTER FOUR
Basen spied on Abith after everyone left the stadium. He saw Abith speaking with Terren, then briefly with Cleve before sauntering over to his loyal troops and probably offering up some explanation as to why he was with the headmaster. Basen wondered if anyone besides himself would find out the surprising truth about Abith and Terren: They’d become friends during all their sparring, probably even trusted each other. Abith was wise not to answer some of those questions, and Terren was wiser not to force him. It wasn’t that the Academy would revolt at hearing the truth. Quite the opposite, actually. They would welcome Abith. But his men—they would do more than just revolt.
Abith seemed particularly busy organizing his troops. Perfect. It gave Basen time to return to the medical building and inform Alabell, Neeko, and Shara what had just happened. But not before first fetching the food Basen had promised to get them from the dining hall.
When he finally made it to the medical building, Neeko was asleep and looking much better than when Basen and Abith had brought him in that morning.
“The food is here,” Shara said, waking Neeko with a gentle stroke of his hair. Basen was thankful Neeko had short hair when he’d crashed down onto the burning grass, or his scalp might’ve burned with much of the rest of him.
He weakly sat up and formed a pained smile.
By the time Basen was done telling them what had happened with Sanya, everyone had eaten and Neeko was back asleep. They moved away from him to resume their conversation.
Shara pursed her lips petulantly. “Her name is too similar to mine. San-ya. Shar-uh.
“You probably won’t have to worry about that for long,” Basen said.
“She’ll be killed?” Shara asked without a hint of joy at the idea.
“I thought that would be good news for you.”
“I don’t want anyone to die if it can be helped.”
If Basen was being honest with himself, he didn’t much care what Shara or Neeko thought about Sanya, but Alabell…he gave her a questioning look.
“Will she be killed in front of everyone?” Alabell asked.
“I believe so.”
Alabell’s mouth twisted as she huffed out a breath. “She must not believe she’s going to be executed. Otherwise she never would’ve come here.”
“I think you’re right,” Basen said. “But that doesn’t stop her from being terrified she might be wrong. I spoke with her a while before she forced her way into the stadium to face everyone. She told me something that, for reasons I can’t understand, she refused to mention in her short speech to the Academy. She said she’ll fight for us no matter what we decide. It’s up to us whether we include her in our army or exile her. But no matter what, she’ll find a way back to fight with us.”
“Not if she’s in prison,” Alabell pointed out. “Or dead.”
“I told her the same thing. She said both would be a mistake because we would be losing a powerful ally.”
“Maybe she didn’t mention all that in the stadium because she couldn’t lie while surrounded by so many psychics.”
“I’m hoping it’s not that, but you might be right.”
Looking at Alabell, Basen still found it hard to believe she felt the same about him as he did about her. If she was out of his reach, it was as if an ocean separated them. When they were close enough to touch, he felt sparks in his chest. It didn’t matter what they spoke about. Nothing could diminish the dizzying effect she had on him. He’d wonder at times like this whether she experienced the same desperate longing to be closer. Then he’d look into her eyes and the question would be answered. She didn’t just admire Basen for avenging the grief that Tauwin had caused her. This was much deeper.
Every time Basen saw that look, he felt as if he’d been given the world.
“You need to rest,” he told her as he suddenly noticed that, while she seemed happy, she was also completely drained. She’d been caring for the injured for an entire day with hardly a chance to sit. “I don’t know how you’re still on your feet.”
“I don’t either,” she agreed with a wan smile. She noticed something over Basen’s shoulder.
He turned to find Effie and Reela coming in, Reela’s hand on the small mage’s upper back. Half her torso was wrapped in cloth with a red stain just under Reela’s hand.
“My wound reopened,” Effie said.
“Your sister and I both told you it would,” Alabell chided. “But you refused to stay here.”
“I’m glad I went.”
Gabby hurried over to them. “I told you—”
“We already covered that,” Effie interrupted.
“You need to stay in bed!”
The two sisters walked off while arguing with each other, Reela close behind.
Alabell glanced around the medical building, looking to be judging whether she could leave without anyone dying.
“There are plenty of healers here,” Basen assured.
She nodded. “Shara, Neeko should be sleeping for a while, and I need—”
“Yes, go. Please, thank you. Go.”
“I’ll walk you,” Basen said.
As they left the medical building, he offered his arm, but Alabell took his hand instead. They smiled at each other, making Basen wonder if he could possibly be happier. The news of Ulric had faded to the back of his mind the moment he’d seen Alabell again.
“Tell me what I should be feeling about Sanya coming here,” Alabell said with a tired smile. “I’m too exhausted to decide.”
“Confusion. Some satisfaction. Perhaps a small amount of worry for her and for us.”
“Why for us?”
Basen hesitated. Alabell didn’t need to worry about anything other than helping the injured.
She stopped and turned to face Basen. Letting go of his hand, Alabell said, “Promise me you will stop trying to protect me.”
“I can’t.”
“I mean by not sharing your thoughts. You must agree to tell me everything, even if it might cause alarm.”
“Oh. All right, I promise.”
She nodded, smiled, and they resumed walking.
“So you have no problems with me protecting you otherwise?”
“No, I encourage it.” She chuckled, and he laughed.
“Sanya’s presence is a cause of concern to us because she might be a trap. She could distract us at just the wrong time.”
“You really think it’s possible she’s here to betray us again?” Alabell sounded as if she couldn’t fathom it.
“I don’t. I’m just being cautious.”
She yawned, then again, and then once more.
“Yawn attacks,” she commented. “Unfortunately common when I need sleep.”
“Before we get there, I have to ask something.”
“I already know what the question is.”
“Then what’s the answer?”
“The answer is it’s too late now.”
They walked in silent reverie for a while, Basen unable to stop smiling. Alabell seemed to have the same affliction. She’d already opened her heart to him, and it was too late to change her mind, as she’d done in the past.
After another yawn attack, Alabell said, “The last time I saw you before today was when Annah screamed during the night and I ran into your room. You told me you were training with Abith Max and then rudely fell asleep before Annah and I could ask you anything.”
He chuckled. “Sorry about that. I was sworn to secrecy.”
“So you’re not anymore?”
“I’m not sure, but there will be no secrets between us now.”
“I’m glad. What are you doing with Abith? I won’t tell anyone.”
“He’s training me. You can say what you want about it because the Academy already knows.”
“I’m the last?” she complained.
“Besides those in the medical building. Everyone found out today at Redfield, and I’ve noticed glares ever since. It didn’t help that I came into the arena shortly after Sanya, as if I support her, and it’s even worse that I encouraged her to share something that she only said to me. I think people are starting to worry I might be making allies with the wrong people. But it’s not because I’m involved in anything complicated or devious. It’s just that Terren wants Abith to be the first battle-mage instructor, and I’m his only student because he’s too picky to take on anyone else.”
“Why not spend half your time training with the warriors and the other half with mages? Then you don’t have to put your trust in someone like Abith.”
“Because we don’t just alternate training sword and energy. It’s a combination of both together. Being a battle mage is about using bastial energy in ways no other mage does—for long- and short-range combat.”
“It’s unfortunate that he’s the only one who can help you with that.”
“Actually, I trust him, and not just because he trains me. I have another secret for you—he and Terren have been sparring with each other for quite a while. I think they’ve become friends.”
Her head whipped back. She stared for a moment. “You’re not joking.”
“You’re the first to know, and I don’t recommend telling anyone.”
“My bastial stars.” She clasped her hands in what looked to be excitement. “That’s wonderful news!”
“Most people would be concerned for Terren. You must really trust his judgment.”
“I’ve known Terren for more than three years now. Yes, I do.” There was deep respect in her voice, as if Terren were her father.
Basen wasn’t as trusting, fearing for Terren’s safety. I’ll be lucky to know the headmaster as long as Alabell. With all the mortal challenges Terren had faced so far, it didn’t seem likely he would live another three years. The thought deeply saddened Basen.
He wanted to change the subject to liven his spirits, but Alabell was hit with yawn attacks all the way to their neighboring student homes.
“I would sleep in the medical building,” she said, “if I was able to rest well there. But I can’t get the same sleep anywhere else that I do in my own bed.”
