Shadow Prince, page 18
part #2 of Demon Hunter Series
"I found something in that library book," said Porfiria. "I realized it was about the great families of the city."
Catricha arched her eyebrows. "Does that include House Maltos?"
"I don't know," said Porfiria. "But House Kuldettan, definitely."
"Kuldettan?" Sion frowned.
Porfiria nodded. "Their blood owes its origin to a time before the Empire of Jadiketz."
"Before Jadik?” said Catricha. "But I thought they were descended from Deckard Hadrian?"
"One side of them is," said Porfiria. "The other side was descended from Laban Okogael, who once ruled Alliance as the city’s immortal king."
Catricha folded her arms. "I've never heard of Laban."
"He ruled the city before it was called Alliance, so back when it was Jasguara. But he disappeared. A shadow reigned over the city when Jadik arrived. The shadow was some kind of beast, a monstrous force of pure darkness that dominated the land around Jasguara from the central palace."
"The palace is the same," said Catricha. “That much is common knowledge.”
"While parts of the palace were damaged in the battle with Zidon, and later replaced," said Porfiria, "What you say is true. The palace is perhaps the oldest building left in the city. It is far older than the conquest.”
"What does this mean?" Catricha stared at her friend. "A shadow resembles what killed Prince Saviron and Adias."
"I thought the same thing, Cat.” Porfiria met Catricha’s eyes. "I'm afraid because this monster could be older and more powerful even than Deckard Hadrian."
A WEEK AFTER SHE AND Elaine arrived in Alliance, Melissa joined Heron to go to the palace in the city to put forth his proposal of exchanging power.
Heron planned to pledge his claim for the throne of Alliance. Despite being an outsider, based on the reading, Melissa had done in the interim, his goal could be attainable, given that the prince’s family was all-but gone.
With no one but the dowager regent to bear the family name, Prince Saviron Davaltz’s line had ended. His household would have to be replaced by another and the four families of Alliance might actually be among the least likely to win the contest, historically speaking. The princely family had never before been replaced in Alliance, but other princedoms set the precedent.
Melissa had grown used to reading coded text in magical tomes. History proved easier on her eyes and mind.
The family of Davaltz had invaded with Jadik, moving north. In the second generation of conquest, the forces of mercy reached and invaded what was now Alliance.
The plains around the city became a fertile breadbasket for the growing empire. The young nations of the lands of mercy had banded together around Alliance and the spread of power from that center had allowed them to take the Chos Valley.
With the addition of Well Country and the Chos Valley to the Empire, Alliance became the second highest seat of power after the city of Empire in the valley.
The most interesting part of Melissa’s recent studies had been a note on the Rosado presence in the city. The nations of the desert always sent envoys to Alliance. Still, the marriage of a prince’s daughter from the city of Ettayeed to Saviron of Alliance had been a major advancement in their relationship.
Whoever might become the new prince could maintain some kind of additional bond with the cities in the desert if he married the dowager regent.
The party consisted of Melissa, Elaine, Heron, Bethanelle Graef, and Bethanelle's father. The Lord Graef kept to himself, despite his higher status in the party. He rode in the rear, with a handful of his personal guards. The house guards of Graef appeared to be competent warriors, but rumor suggested they were even more skilled at hunting. The ravine near the Graef estate must be dangerous indeed, heavily pocked with world wells, both obvious and hidden.
Melissa shuddered as she recalled the world well from her time in Soucot. Demons could rise from unprotected wells when the wards were down. Such monsters emerged to stalk the surface. Even those that were banished to the depths by Mother Mercy always scrabbled for light. Such beings made for the most dangerous foes imaginable.
She wondered if Deckard Hadrian might have flown off somewhere. The echoes of his presence in Alliance faded by the day. Besides, it’s not like the city is his home.
Home. Melissa considered the possibility her parents might be close as they neared the palace. If the Dorians were still in Alliance, Melissa needed to find them as soon as possible. Lord Graef certainly didn’t seem eager to give her his help, at least, not while she stayed so close. Her position as a bodyguard and mage limited her time.
She and Heron’s party approached the palace gates. She wished Galocai had come with them, but he'd gone to visit some other part of Alliance. His need for further study in his magical arts didn’t drive him to train with Elaine and Melissa. Instead, he’d been worlds away in some book the Graef’s lent him, staying in a manor room they’d offered for his stay.
A fellow nobleman could be offered a suite where a commoner mage would be offered a hay bale in the stable. Melissa emerged from her reverie.
Heron called to the guard at the gate. "I am Heron Olfrus, here to see the dowager regent."
The guard answered with a hand-to-heart salute, and then started to crank open the gate.
The six guests rode through, followed by two of Lord Graef's trailing bodyguards.
They rode through the yard of the palace into the ringed central garden. There, they dismounted. Valets approached to take the horses to the stables.
The party climbed the long stairs to the inner doors, which stood open despite the increasing cold. Guards waited along the arched walls. The palace, which Melissa had expected to see teeming with petitioners, courtiers, and other hangers-on was all but vacant. Evidently, with no prince or steward, the palace served less purpose.
The situation in the city could grow dire if what remained of the law and government failed.
No one to govern, Melissa thought. No one managed the city’s watch apart from the four families. The loss of the prince hit the city harder than she’d have thought before her reading.
They approached the throne room. However, despite the table that sat in the middle of the chamber, the same kind of table that lay in the great hall of the cities of the south, with its ring-shape allowing it to accommodate every prince and governor in the lands of mercy. The throne stood empty.
Probably for the best.
If there had been someone presumptuous on the throne at that moment, Heron’s challenge for the seat would be even more difficult.
Instead, they found Kizoni Duhikzo sitting at the ring table. She occupied the place of the Prince of Ettayeed. The more than thirty princedom's and governances of mercy made the table wide and circular. There were formal places for three immortals as well. At least one place would always be empty.
Melissa didn’t know the last time all the dignitaries of Tancuon had gathered in one place.
The party approached Kizoni and her two nearest bodyguards. More guards stretched out in a loose column behind them. Kizoni held up a hand to stop them.
"Greetings, Lord Olfrus," she said. "What manner of visit is this?"
"I’ve come to pledge my claim to the throne," said Heron. "I do not wish to be forward, but with the backing of the family of Graef, I have come to offer my assistance in securing the city's safety."
"So you already have the backing of one of the four families?" Kizoni examined her elegantly manicured fingernails. "Impressive, for only arriving days ago."
"It’s been nearly six weeks since the prince’s passing.” Heron bowed his head. “Another pinnacle day approaches.”
"It does," said Kizoni. "But Lord Olfrus, are you not aware of the customs of the city?”
"What custom am I forgetting?" asked Heron.
"The laws of stewardship.” Kizoni’s eyes betrayed no emotion, flat and neither warm nor cold. “You see, my husband's line has not ended yet."
"You have his name.” Heron’s brows edged together, but then smoothed. “You will stand as regent of Alliance?"
"That’s correct," said Kizoni. "Until the name leaves me, and I don’t intend to abandon it, I will govern this city.”
"Then why not accept petitioners?" asked Heron. "Do you act out of respect for the fallen prince?"
"Yes. My husband and his steward both require the proper mourning before any further business is done in the palace."
"Forgive my inappropriate gesture, then," said Heron. "But it may be easier to manage the city with two seats. Someone must still assume the throne. Order is maintained by tradition."
"By tradition?" said Kizoni. "I hold the throne. Out of respect for my deceased husband, I sit here instead of in his seat, but it would be my right to take that position if I so desired."
Heron swept his arm in and bowed his head low. "I respect the traditions of Alliance."
"Do you?" Kizoni sniffed. “It seems to me you presume the city will bend to you before it bends to me."
Heron’s head remained low. "Not at all," he said. "I assure you, I never intended to usurp. I came to help restore order."
"You see disorder?" Kizoni sighed. "Of course, the sleepless march in the streets. There are always demons in the ravine and the forests, but what would you do about those? My husband acted to appease the sleepless, but they remain. I’m at ease, Lord Olfrus. And the demons in the ravine...they won’t respond to any prince of mortal lifespan."
"If a prince cannot solve the problems of the city, perhaps the city does indeed not need a Prince," said Heron. “And there are other ways I can be of service."
"I'll consider what to do with you," said Kizoni. "Heron Olfrus, take your allies and leave us."
Heron looked ready to sputter as he raised his head. Melissa frowned as he turned his back to lead the way out of the room. She disliked the challenge Kizoni presented, but enjoyed the manner of the dowager regent. Something about her reminded Melissa of Governor Tandace Lokoth, who’d employed Melissa in Lowenrane. The firm hand on power may have surprised Heron, but it didn't shock Melissa.
She followed Heron and the others from the hall, shooting a small smile over her shoulder at Kizoni.
The dowager regent nodded back, her expression stern, just before Melissa turned away.
AFTER LEAVING THE PALACE, Melissa went to meet Galocai by the river’s edge. As he emerged from the watch house on the riverside, Melissa spotted him from a rise in the street.
She waved to him and he returned the gesture.
He didn't wear the mask of feathers that day. Instead, his handsome pale features remained open and expressive. Melissa felt the flutter in her heart, wondering if indeed it had been just drink that night a week ago, after Nansoela's party.
She walked briskly to meet him.
"How was your visit to the palace?" he asked.
"The dowager regent appears intransigent to Heron's request," said Melissa. "I mean, Lord Olfrus’s request."
“You’re so familiar with him. I suppose you’ve had plenty of time to rub shoulders with powerful people."
"I’ve been blessed.” Melissa shrugged. "Did you find anything about your attacker?"
"The boy is here but it’s not him. The beast captured him earlier that evening and he remembers nothing of the attack. I suspect the magic that took him drove him to strike at us. The shadow beast couldn’t have held the source of it’s power in itself. Those essences weren’t strong enough to invest with independence.”
“Essences can be powerful without being obvious.” Melissa chewed her lip. "Especially when truly powerful they can cloak their songs to hide their true identities."
"Of course," said Galocai. “Deception is a key part of all conflict.”
"We don't know who sent the beast," said Melissa. “Whoever attacked, could be strong enough to cause us trouble at once, even me, with my iron bane."
"You have the special power in your heart.” Galocai breathed a sigh. "I only wish I carried such a gift.”
"You have your gifts.” Melissa smiled at him.
"Oh?" said Galocai with a smirk. "I wasn't aware."
"I detected at least one.”
Galocai laughed, then lowered his voice. “Don’t be alarmed, but I think you were followed."
"Followed?" Melissa frowned.
Galocai nodded. "He's behind you and wearing a palace guard uniform."
“A palace guard?" said Melissa. "Perhaps a messenger?" She turned.
Galocai stifled a dismayed gasp, then shook his head. "You're too honest.”
Melissa laughed at him. “Perhaps. Guard.” She waved to the man who’d followed her. "What is your business with me?"
The guardsman wore royal blue Alliance livery and carried a sword at his side. He stepped out of the crowd and bowed his head to Melissa. "Lady Dorian," he said. "My mistress wishes to speak with you."
"The dowager regent?" she asked.
He nodded. "Please, you and your fellow should follow me."
Melissa glanced at Galocai. "What do you say to that?"
"I’d rather dine out then visit the palace.” Galocai smirked. "But I'll go with you."
"I appreciate it."
They followed the guard toward the palace.
AT THE PALACE FOR A second time in one day, Melissa was ushered into a side chamber where Kizoni waited, sitting upon a plush red divan. The elegant couches in the room spoke of rest, of a place where princes relaxed with family and close allies.
"Sit." Kizoni’s tone was commanding. "Just because I'm now a dowager, doesn't mean I don't have the authority of a prince’s seat."
"As you like." Melissa took a place on one of the soft sofas before Kizoni, across a small table. She reclined slightly on the couch, but not so much as to seem overly-familiar. She’d learned a little about etiquette in the south of Lowenraine. Galocai sat beside her.
"You weren't with Lord Ofrus before.” Kizoni waved a hand at him. "Who are you?"
"My name is Galocai," he said. "I’m of House Paroth, though I'd rather not spread that around."
Kizoni nodded. "You couldn’t conceal the facts if you tried. You look like your sister."
Galocai sighed. “Nansoela is terribly famous in Alliance."
"Yes.” Kizoni’s nose wrinkled with a small frown. "She threw a party the night of my husband's funeral."
"Forgiveness," said Galocai. "I was there. We both were, though, neither of us meant an affront by it."
"Don't take my words that way but my husband's memory demands I meet you. You both appeared as rogues on return to the city. Yet...” She turned to Melissa. “...you are someone of note in the Dorian family. True?"
"Is that how your man identified me, as Lady Dorian?" asked Melissa. "Wrong on one count. I'm no lady."
"Of course," said Kizoni. "Our mistake.”
Melissa nodded, more steadily than she expected.
Kizoni motioned for them to relax. “I don’t intend to confront either of you about wrongdoing. I was intrigued by your attention earlier. What are you called?"
"Melissa is my name," said Melissa. "I only belong to the Dorian family by chance. I’m here looking for my parents."
"They may be difficult to find if they are indeed the heads of the Dorian family."
"They've been here?" asked Melissa. "Can you tell me where their offices are? Their home?"
"I'm only a recent arrival here. I know little of the merchants, though they respect the throne. Your father approached the throne with a request a few weeks before the party that ended my husband’s life."
“What request?” asked Melissa, heart racing.
"He wanted safe passage for when he left Alliance," said Kizoni. "I don’t know if he’s gone yet, or where he planned to go.”
"I can't thank you enough.” Melissa bowed her head. "I was not sure I’d catch them here."
"If you plan to catch someone you care for, I recommend you don't do so by surprise.”
"I know my family," said Melissa, unsure of the truth in those words.
Kizoni steepled her fingers and leaned forward. Her black gown and tresses blended into shadows around her bare shoulders. “I have need of your help. You are both mages, are you not?"
"We are.” Melissa leaned into the cushions of her seat. "I mastered my sacra form only recently."
“And I have yet to master one at all,” said Galocai.
"I need your help. The Cult of the Sleepless is growing restless, more than ever before since the prince’s murder.”
"The sleepless," said Melissa. "We saw them a few nights ago."
"As pinnacle day approaches they become more bold. Every week that builds toward the center of the month sees more sleepless in the streets.” Kizoni tented her fingers, frowning. “Soon they could strike at their enemies."
“Enemies?" said Melissa. "Are they truly opponents of the throne?"
"I do not understand their motives," said Kizoni. "For men and women who seek to never sleep, they encounter the authorities less than you might guess. Their potential prey concerns me. The sleepless were always at odds with my husband and his steward. There must be a way to figure out what they want and not just wait until they move. They sometimes raid the storehouses because they are lacking in funds. As days grow colder that may increase.”
"Do they need money to spread the word of their movements?" said Melissa. "If not, they seem more like brigands than a cult."
"A cult of brigands is more how I consider them,” said Kizoni.
Melissa couldn’t help a smile at the regent’s wordplay.
“Yet the guards don't do anything to stop them," said Galocai. "Why?"
"There are too many sleepless and they travel only by night. Without a means to identify them in the morning, we’re locked from investigating effectively."
"So they lead ordinary lives by day? Yet they resist sleep by night?” Melissa scowled. “It’s like they seek to emulate Deckard Hadrian.”
"Not at all.” Kizoni sat back. “I see the cult as destructive. They may cause us all great harm."
"What can we mages do to stop them that a normal person can't?" asked Galocai.
