Shadow Prince, page 15
part #2 of Demon Hunter Series
They passed by a stable inside the small compound, and approached a set of tall doors leading into the house. Nothing here held a candle to the decadence of the greater house’s estates, but the courtyard was well-appointed with flowing geometries and floral patterns.
The addition of ruby-set and brightly gilded knockers on the door was out of place with the more subdued finery on display. Porfiria's townhouse might be small but it demonstrated greater elegance with it’s decor.
Certainly, the merchants that dwelt here possessed far greater income than anyone Catricha knew personally. Gold filigree glittered in subtle shapes that became more obvious on every surface with a pattern before them. The small fountain of fish-mouths carved of stone at the center of the yard gleamed with treated-silver beneath the water.
Catricha followed Porfiria to the doorway and then knocked with the obscene gold clacker. At first there came no answer. Porfiria rapped her knuckles on the door frame.
A wispy middle-aged servant came to the door. "May I ask who is calling?" she asked.
"Porfiria Amburen," said Porfiria. "And her friend."
"Lady Amburen. Who are you calling upon?"
"We're here to see the lady of the house," said Porfiria. "Please asked her downstairs to meet us."
"My lady is resting.”
"Then, please let us wait inside.” Porfiria motioned to the fountain and the leaves floating in it. "The chill of autumn is growing."
"I don't know if that's a good idea, my ladies."
“Perhaps you don’t understand," said Porfiria. "If the most famed cynic poet in the city wishes to speak to your mistress, she will be disappointed if you do not let us in."
"I know little of the ways of poets.” The servant’s color waned toward a pallid white. “My Lady Amburen, I shall go tell my mistress you’re here."
“May we wait inside?” asked Catricha. "It is cold and we are two ladies not accustomed to such icy days."
The servant fidgeted with her empty hands. She bowed twice to Porfiria and once to Catricha, then swung the door open, and curtsied to them.
“Forgiveness, my ladies. Please, come in.”
The two of them crossed the threshold with grateful smiles.
Up the stairs, the servant scurried in silence. Once out of sight, Catricha couldn’t trace her movements at all.
Unlike the House Maltos manor where her parents and her younger siblings moved here and there at will, the merchant’s house was quiet without the servant in attendance. The knowledge that the head of the house was unmarried, might have made Catricha slightly uneasy at being here if she was alone. The tempers she would surely induce simply by appearing about town as a widow thrilled her with excitement.
"Catricha," said Porfiria. "That was a strong play, but let’s not snoop about. We don't want to reveal our intentions yet."
"Agreed.” Catricha sat in a soft-backed chair. "Porfiria, perhaps you can use your sprites to poke around."
"I don't share their senses fully," said Porfiria. “They are of limited use in exploration."
"If we find the culprit today, what should we do?"
"Most likely? Take flight and then return with guards. I doubt based on what we’ve seen that this girl was the one who took their lives."
"We will see,” said Catricha.
The stairs above them shook with the footsteps of a pair of male servants, descending. Built broad and thickly-muscled, they resembled bodyguards more than household servants. Both men wore house uniforms and carried wooden clubs, each heavily adorned with painful-looking golden bands and ending in a pronounced steel cap.
Catricha arched her eyebrows as the men approached.
"Is there some issue?" she asked. "We were allowed inside by one of your fellow servants."
"The mistress wishes us to escort you to her chambers," said one of the men. "It's not usual for her to have visitors."
"Is she afraid?" asked Catricha. "Of us? Why ever would she be?"
"We don't question her,” said the man. He motioned with his club’s tip toward the stairs.
The other man nodded. “We’re paid plenty to obey.”
Catricha and Porfiria exchanged glances, then rose and climbed the stairs in silence. At the top, the guards led them along a short hallway to a circular tower room on the north side of the house. They waited for a moment while one of the guards knocked on the door to an adjoining room.
In the chamber beyond the door they found the female servant from before, and a yellow-haired girl. The lady of the house sat on a tall feather-bed, wearing a dressing gown.
She looked a few years younger than Catricha, seventeen or eighteen. Her palavian-blonde hair was wild and unkempt, but there was no mistaking the shade. Her light frame and generous proportions spoke of Adias's favored type. Her round face matched with the glimpse from Catricha’s memory of the party, leaving no further doubt.
"What brings you here, my lady poets?"
“Did your servant give you our names?" asked Porfiria. "If not, you may already have a guess."
"Names?” The girl’s eyes widened. “You’re Porfiria Amburen and Catricha Maltos of course. What do such esteemed poets want with me?"
"We want to ask some questions," said Catricha. "Be completely honest and we’ll share only what we must with others."
The girl’s cheeks turned red and she hunched, pulling in her knees with both arms. “You’re the steward’s widow."
Catricha nodded.
The merchant girl sighed. "You followed us that night."
"Indeed," said Catricha. "But it wasn't personal toward you. I’d always longed for a divorce."
"I didn't know. I thought I was betraying you, though I didn’t know you personally." The girl hung her head.
“Betrayals are common. I'd expect as much from any member of our class. You played your part well."
Bright heat glowed on the girl’s face. "Forgive me! I didn't mean—I didn't mean for anything to happen."
"What did happen?" asked Catricha, taking a step forward and leaning down. "We must know what happened to Adias that night."
"Before he died,” Porfiria said.
The girl nodded, tears beading in her eyes. "I knew you saw us leave the dance floor.” She took a deep breath. "I don't know what came over me, but he was so charming, and he invited me to...take up with him."
"A common enough occurrence," said Catricha. "Go on."
"I didn't think the steward wanted anything to do with me," said the girl. "But his charm had an effect on me. As we danced, I saw his desire grow."
Catricha grimaced, biting her lip.
Porfiria nodded. “What is your name, girl?"
"Sariah Ganatz. I’m the younger sister of the head of House Ganatz. Of course we’re only merchants, few in number, so we go unnoticed in most scenes of the city."
Catricha unlocked her jaw. “You are no longer beneath our notice."
"I didn't kill him.” Sariah’s eyes grew thick with tears. She wiped at them hopelessly. "A man by the gate told me to approach the steward when I first arrived. After we left the ball room...I didn't see what happened to him at first. There was a noise like a lion’s roar. I knew you were close behind, so I left him and fled. I’m a coward." She put her head in her hands, tears dripping between her fingers.
"You didn't see what happened?" Catricha took a step back from Sariah.
"I heard many footsteps coming down the hallway, like an army was after me. I took a side passage, toward the back of the house, but I never saw anyone, despite the sounds that seemed to follow me. I returned to the ballroom before anyone else noticed what was happening. I didn’t see the prince fall. I didn’t know what to do, to scream or cry, because I didn't know what happened to Adias."
"You heard footsteps. What did they sound like?"
"There were too many to distinguish," said Sariah. "It was a stampede, the sound of a thousand feet all moving as one.”
"A thousand feet.” Catricha closed her eyes and pressed a palm to her forehead. The girl’s account sounded impossible.
Porfiria put her hand on Catricha’s shoulder. "That is a clue, if only an oblique one."
"You're looking for what happened," said Sariah. "There may not be any way of knowing now."
"We need to ask more questions.” Catricha took a deep breath. "And that's what we intend to do. Thank you, Lady Ganatz."
"You have my best wishes.” Sariah sighed, eyes still tearful. "I didn't mean for anything bad to happen."
"I understand.” Catricha glanced at Porfiria. “We believe you. The terrible things that happened that night could occur again, unless we can put a stop to the killer."
"You said you wanted a divorce," said Sariah. "But you’re still looking for his killer?"
"My husband and Saviron may not of been good people," said Catricha. "And my husband was among my least favorite, but without knowledge of what happened, the throne may never be safe. The city could devolve into chaos."
"Anything else you can tell us might be helpful," said Porfiria. "So please, tell us everything."
"I'm afraid I already have.” Sariah bowed her head. “Best luck, my ladies.”
"Thanks," said Catricha. “We’ll call again if we think you can help further.”
They turned and left the room, walking past the guards. The men stood at attention, making no move to intercept them. Catricha and Porfiria made their way back to the carriage.
SHE AND GALOCAI MADE their way through the city and then out toward the northeastern hills.
They arrived at the house of Graef, a few miles from the edge of Alliance. Walking left them both sweaty, after more than an hour under the autumn sun. Galocai removed his mask of feathers to cool off a little. Relief filled Melissa as she approached the great house where her spear rested in the stables. She’d not gone so long without the weapon in some time.
While they walked they exchanged few words. Melissa couldn’t figure how to make small talk without a little wine to reduce her nerves.
She barely believed the ease with which they’d talked and kissed after drinking just small amount at the party the previous night. Still, the attack of a shadowy beast was hardly what she wanted to associate with romantic thoughts. Who knew what Galocai thought, though? She couldn’t read him like a history or book of magic.
As they climbed the hill to the walled estate, they spotted a guard atop one of the gatehouse tower. Melissa waved her arm and called out.
"We’re guests returning from the city."
The guard on the tower squinted at them for a moment, then began to crank the gate open. Melissa and Galocai entered through the gateway, then proceeded into the yard. Elaine was outside, practicing her sprite wards while Niba Olfrus watched from nearby on the grass.
The shimmering, singing barriers made of threaded sprites floated in the air near each of Elaine’s hands, barely connected to her fingertips. Melissa smiled at the sight and silvery sounds emanating from her friend.
"Elaine.” She and Galocai drew closer. “Enjoying the show, Lady Olfrus?"
"Niba will do," said the noblewoman. "I don't require formality, from someone I consider a potential friend."
"Potential.” Melissa laughed, awed by how easily Niba spoke of friendship. "I like that."
"Who is this?" Niba turned her gaze toward Galocai.
He swept his arm low in a dramatic bow. "My name is Galocai Paroth, one of the twin heirs of my family."
"Yet you came here?" Niba raised a brow. "You know you’re in contention for the throne with my brother?"
"I'm also a mage.” Galocai smiled. "I’ve come back to the city from training in secret, so I'm not yet officially in contention for the throne.”
"But you’re keeping your options open?” Niba shook her head. “Melissa, I didn't realize you would be so dutiful in bringing us guests like Lord Paroth."
"It is indeed her doing, in large part.” Galocai shot a smile at Melissa that made the back of her neck heat up. “I need protection. My room at the River’s Serpent was attacked late last night by a beast."
"A beast in the city? That can’t be a common event."
"It's not unless the creature is magical in nature. This was one of those. I’m lucky Melissa was with me.”
Melissa folded her arms and nodded. "Indeed. I’ll vouch for his story."
Niba glanced at Elaine, who began to reel in her essences. "My brother must hear about this,” she said.
Elaine finished withdrawing her wards. The group entered the great hall where Lord Graef sat across the high table from Heron. The long table at the center of the room showed remnants of breakfast, empty dishes half-cleared away by the house servants.
Melissa’s stomach complained audibly. She wished she’d stopped for food before returning to House Graef.
"Melissa Dorian," said Lord Graef. "You’ve returned."
Melissa took a swift bow. "I only felt the need to moonlight for one evening."
Lord Graef nodded. “That is for the best. Bethanelle was impressed with you, you know.”
“I’ll thank her when I see her next.”
"Brother.” Niba walked down the long side of the table. "We have interesting news."
Heron rose from his seat, dabbing at his mouth with a napkin. He descended from the high table and approached them. "What is it sister?"
"This man.” Niba motioned to Galocai. "This man claims to be an heir to House Paroth."
"That would bring two of the four highest houses together.” Heron tapped his chin. "If we could simply make an alliance with the other two...I would suspect, we’d have an excellent claim to the throne. Excellent work, sister.”
Niba waved both hands to Melissa. "Melissa found Lord Paroth."
“Found is the wrong word. We ran into each other at the party."
"So you negotiated.” Heron smirked. "Good."
"Negotiated.” Melissa smiled. "I suppose you could say that."
Elaine glanced at Melissa, raising her eyebrows. "Do you think this means we’ll have more access to resources in the city?"
Melissa turned to Galocai and waited for his answer.
"I don't know for sure,” he said. “There are possibilities, though.”
"Go on," said Heron.
"I have many connections in the city, and I'm willing to put them at your disposal in exchange for your protection. There are mages out to find me. I suspect they’re members of House Kuldettan."
"Mages that wish to kill you?" Heron whistled. "Or merely capture you?"
"I cannot say for sure. Someone sent a beast after me last night and if it wasn't for Melissa Dorian I would be either slain or in their clutches by now."
Melissa flushed and shook her head. "You're capable of guarding yourself without me."
"Nonsense. You wield a sacra form and I don't. That makes the difference."
"Sacra forms are not invincible," said Melissa. "I know that all too well."
Elaine nodded, brows pinched together.
"If we give you our protection, can you offer us more than contacts?” Heron asked.
"I’ll support you as a member of one of the four families. I can’t offer you full support from House Paroth without some doubt, though. I imagine my sister will protest."
"I've heard rumors Nansoela may not be interested in the crown," said Heron. "Is that the same for you?"
“I’ve had my thoughts. In all honesty, my family is likely too small and insular to claim the throne, despite the reputation of our powers."
"Then we are not rivals," said Heron. "And I daresay we may be friends."
"You dare.” Galocai grinned. “Beware. Houses Maltos and Kuldettan will be difficult to contest. They are the strongest of the four families."
"Two is still better than four.” Heron motioned toward the side of the dining room. "Better opposed by a few than by all."
"Sadly, Kuldettan has the most mages in the city. I can assist you with that. I suspect if anyone will be our opponent, it would be them."
"They may have already sent an assassin after you,” Melissa said. “Can we negotiate with them.”
Elaine mouthed the word. “Negotiate.” She made quote-marks in the air with her fingers.
Melissa’s face grew hot and she turned away from the group to hide her embarrassment.
“We don’t know for certain the motives, but the threat was credible, despite its grandiosity in telling me my days were numbered. That could mean they intend to kill me, or it could have been a decoy threat."
"Something just to put you on guard?" Melissa frowned over her shoulder at Galocai.
“Yeah," he said. "I suspect the shadow lion was not completely under their control either. Who can say exactly what it was or why it said those precise words.”
Elaine touched Melissa’s sleeve. "I remember this from my studies. That monster you describe bore the form of a lion, but used the body of a human, correct?"
"That’s it.” Melissa raised chuckled. “I should have known you’d have an idea what it was."
"It could have been an essence revenant, shaped into the form of whatever creature it’s controller desires. One requires a powerful swell of sprites or banes, and to control such a revenant remotely, would be difficult."
"So whoever sent out that revenant, may have been nearby?" said Melissa.
Galocai scowled. "It's possible we are dealing with a stronger foe than I guessed. Lady Filavaye Kuldettan probably does not have the kind of power to control all that essence at once as a revenant."
"The creature did not seem very tough," said Melissa. "Dangerous, yes, but it didn't hold out for long, once I turned my sacra form against it."
"It wasn’t weak.” Galocai snorted. "We’d best be on guard in case more of them are about."
Elaine squeezed her eyes shut and nodded. "You’re correct. If it was a revenant, then defeating it once won’t be enough. As long as there are bodies to be controlled nearby, that revenant could arise at any moment again."
"That's not comforting," said Melissa. "Did you and Bethanelle return without incident last night?”
"We did," said Elaine. "Lady Graef is still resting, but she should be downstairs soon."
