Nightfall: Book Two of the Chronicles of Arden (17 page)

All around them hung tapestries woven from fine silk and other glistening materials, each one depicting different legends and histories. One particularly fine curtain told the tale of the Empire fighting off the dragons which were rumored to have inhabited these lands centuries ago. The Imperial soldiers had been embroidered with brightly dyed thread while the dragons were gem encrusted. One such dragon had been speared, and tiny rubies spewed from its wound in place of blood.

They walked in near silence; the only sounds were their boots as they made their way through a grand hall. Servants stood out of the way, so still they could have been statues. Joel fought the urge to shudder. Despite the grandeur, he felt as though he were walking through a graveyard.

Ahead of them, Adrian waved one arm outward in a sweeping gesture, bringing them all to a halt. Joel didn’t have to lean around his company to see the gilded door before them. As tall as a giant, it shone and sparkled as if it were a treasure on its own.

Joel couldn’t guess how many gems covered the door in its intricate mosaic depiction of the Blessed Son of Light. The mighty deity wielded a great sword and shield and must have stood ten feet tall. Joel took in a breath and felt Hasain bump into his back. Joel turned to look at his cousin only to find him likewise transfixed by the door. It would have been lovely if not for the ruby blood “dripping” from the Son’s sword.

Two hulking soldiers stood before the door, their eyes staring straight forward. It was almost as if they were in some sort of trance, but a moment later they stepped aside and the door drifted open as if by a breeze. Joel tentatively began to reach out with his magic, just to see if he could sense how the substantial door could open so easily. Before he could extend his awareness, however, NezReth’s violet eyes were on him, clearly warning him to stop. The Blessed Mage didn’t have to say a word. His fierce stare said everything. Joel hastily recalled his magic probe.

They were ushered into a grand courtroom. The white marble walls gave the impression of standing within a pearl, and the vines on these pillars were
very
real, another fantastical waste of magic. They bloomed with wild flowers unlike anything Joel had ever seen before, and their luxurious scent wafted over to him even from a distance. Adrian gave another simple wave of his arm, and both Koal and Cenric seemed to understand what he wanted. Their party came to a stop.

The sound of the door slamming shut behind them bounced off the high, vaulted ceilings. Joel winced. It was as though the deafening bang were sealing his doom, ensnaring the party of Ardenian men within the clutches of the Northern Empire. Perhaps they were destined to be trapped here—not that anything could be done about it now.
No turning back. I made the decision to come, and now I must see the mission through to whatever end fate has planned. I can’t abandon Father. I have already abandoned Gib
— Hasain nudged his arm just then, disrupting Joel’s unhinging thoughts. He sucked in a gasp of air and stood tall, forcing himself to stop trembling.
No weaknesses. I can’t show weakness
.

Joel kept his face lowered, but he could feel all eyes in the room settle onto him and his comrades. Soft music had been playing a moment before, but he’d been unaware of it until it stopped. The eerie quiet was nearly enough to undo him.

The Archmage strolled to the front of the room, his golden robe sweeping across the bare marble floor behind him. Dozens of courtiers moved aside as he passed. In fact, within a few moments, enough people were standing between Joel and the front of the room that he couldn’t see Adrian any longer. He could hear him, however.

Adrian’s voice rose high and clear. “Your Grace, Supreme Ruler of all North and blessed disciple of the Son of Light, your guests from Arden have arrived.”

Joel flinched. Was that how they were to refer to Emperor Lichas each time they spoke? He’d never be able to remember that. Would Koal? Joel cast a worried glance in his father’s direction.

If Koal was intimidated, he was doing a damn good job of hiding it. The seneschal swept forward, red cape billowing regally, and the courtiers moved to let him through, giving Joel a view of the mighty throne at last.

Koal took to one knee. “Your Grace, Emperor Lichas Sarpedon, please accept Arden’s humblest gratitude for being welcomed into your fine hall.” He bowed his head, and the rest of their party followed suit, each going down onto one knee.

Joel held his breath as he dared to look at the Emperor from beneath heavy lashes. He’d heard many stories about the ruler of the North, a man who’d been sitting on the throne since the time when Joel’s own father had been a child—so it came as quite a shock not to see a withered old man sitting before his gaze. Joel blinked in confusion.

The man who sat upon the throne was not old. Crystal blue eyes stared down the length of a prominent nose, and his strong, square jaw was set in a firm frown free of any age lines or wrinkles. A golden crown perched atop his head, and only the slightest amount of silver streaked his cropped blond curls. The man wore an embellished tunic with intricate gilded beadwork sewn into it, and the cape around his shoulders was designed to look like golden dragon scales.

This can’t be Emperor Lichas
, Joel thought even as he knelt before the man.
He was the ruler of the Empire when King Rishi was still a child. He should be close to eighty years old!
He should be an old man! What is this?

The Emperor’s heavy gaze remained on them for an eternity before he finally gave a stiff nod. “Gratitude accepted. Arise and introduce your party to my court.” Joel’s head felt light as he stood.

“I am Seneschal Koal Adelwijn, Right Hand of King Rishi Radek. I have been sent on behalf of His Highness to make all decisions, henceforth, in regard to Arden.” Koal stepped aside and motioned each of them through, one at a time.

Joel’s mind wandered as his father’s voice droned around him. He glanced from side to side, taking in the patrons and courtiers of the Emperor’s court. Not a single smile was seen in the entire place.

His name was called, and he stepped forward. He wished he’d paid closer attention to how Cenric behaved when he’d taken his turn, but Joel’s thoughts were proving to be most distracting. As soon as he was introduced, he went to stand beside his mentor.

“And this is Lord Hasain Radek, eldest son of the King and trainee of the High Council. He has accompanied us as a good faith showing from our King.”

Hasain bowed, and Joel caught the sound of whispers among the gathered patrons. Hasain didn’t say anything, but his red face spoke for him. He must have heard them, too.

With introductions over, the Emperor continued to stare at them for some time. His face was hard, unreadable, and his blue eyes flicked from one member of their party to the next as if he were memorizing their faces. Perhaps he was. After another stifled bout of silence, he took a deep breath and turned a somber gaze onto Koal. “We are most seriously displeased to hear of the trouble your king has been having with his eastern and northern borders. It is our hope to offer enlightenment to our brethren in the south. Perhaps our counsel can prove beneficial.”

Koal nodded. “Counsel is always welcomed, Your Grace. Arden would be most grateful.”

“Very well then.” Emperor Lichas motioned toward Adrian. “Have our guests shown to their quarters so they may change out of their wet clothes and prepare for the morning meal.”

Adrian nodded. “Yes, Your Grace.”

Joel’s stomach was in knots as he bowed and backed away from the throne, and the look of contempt upon Emperor Lichas Sarpedon’s ageless face only caused more icy unease to seep into Joel’s veins.

Adrian led them through another set of winding corridors and open terraces. They took so many twists and turns that Joel’s head was spinning by the time they arrived at the wing of the palace reserved for envoys and royal guests.

The Archmage stopped before a door covered with more intricate drawings carved into the wood. It seemed not even one door, wall, pillar, or ceiling within the palace was to be left standing bare.

Adrian turned to face the group. “Your quarters are beyond this door. You will find private bed chambers, a common room, and a shared privy. If you need anything, ring the bell and a servant will promptly assist you.”

Koal gave a courteous bow. “Your hospitality is most generous.”

Adrian’s face remained frigid, and Joel was beginning to wonder if this man even knew
how
to smile. “A servant will be sent to fetch you as soon as the morning meal is ready, and I’ll send word when the Emperor and his council are prepared to see you. In the meantime, please feel at ease to roam the halls at your leisure. The palace offers many amenities I believe will be to your liking.” Adrian turned sharply on his heels and walked away before Koal could even open his mouth to reply.

As soon as they were alone, Cenric cleared his throat and smiled wryly. “Well, we’re all still alive and fighting—can’t ask for a better start to our mission than that.” He motioned toward the door. “Shall we?”

Joel let out a sigh as he passed through the threshold. The corridor opened into a luxurious common room. Silk curtains rustled in the breeze, and the smell of fresh saffron hung in the air. One side of the room lay open to an outdoor terrace, and beyond that, Joel could see a sprawling private garden. As promised, their rucksacks and other belongings had been delivered and sat on a lounge in the middle of the space.

Koal cast a troubled look around the room. “NezReth—?”

“The suite is clear, Seneschal,” the Blessed Mage replied swiftly. “We are alone.”

Koal’s shoulders relaxed, though his frown didn’t completely fall away. “Can you make sure it stays that way, mage?”

NezReth titled his head downward, nodding once. “I will ward the quarters so no scrying magic can be used against us. However, we must use caution when speaking under scrutiny. Spies may be planted, even among the servants.”

“That’s right,” Cenric added. “Better to trust no one. Assume any words we say in public will be reported back to the Emperor.”

Koal crossed his arms over his chest. His blue eyes moved among the three youngest members of the party, and Joel couldn’t help but shrink away from his father’s withering glare. “You heard Cenric and NezReth. The three of you, keep your mouths shut about Arden. Leave discussions of our country’s welfare to
me
. Is that understood?”

Liro rolled his eyes. “You needn’t scold me as though I’m one of the
children
, Father.”

Hasain swung his head around, leveling Liro with a glare. “And what qualities and experience do you possess that set you so far apart from Joel and me? If we’re to be labeled children, then certainly you should be, too.”

Joel cringed as his brother opened his mouth to no doubt spit acid at Hasain, but Koal stepped in to snuff out Liro’s fiery words before they had a chance to manifest. “Enough. Both of you, shut up! I didn’t bring you along so I could suffer listening to your attempts to best one another with snide remarks and childish insults. You don’t have to like each other, but you do need to be civil. We have enough working against us as it is without worrying about fighting amongst ourselves.”

Liro locked his jaw and stormed over to the lounge, fishing through the pile of rucksacks until he found his bag. Hasain glared at the back of Liro’s head but smartly kept his own mouth shut.

“Everyone get their belongings and claim a bed,” Koal commanded. His brow remained furrowed, even after Hasain and Liro had gone their separate ways, leading Joel to believe something deeper and darker was on his father’s mind.

“Da?” he began to ask, but Koal waved him away.

“Go find a room and get settled in, Joel. Cenric, NezReth—a word with you both, please?”

Joel blinked.
He sees me as nothing but a burden. I’ll always be a child in his eyes
. Hanging his head, he went to the lounge and scooped up his pack. Slinging it over one shoulder, he turned and entered the corridor Hasain and Liro had just taken.
I suppose I should check in on them to ensure no blood has been spilt between here and the sleeping quarters
.

Koal’s voice flitted down the corridor, and Joel slowed his pace. He knew he shouldn’t be eavesdropping, but the gravity of the words caught his attention and held him spellbound. “I’ll tell you what concerns me already. Emperor Lichas—he’s been reigning since I was a boy! I may not be a scholar, but I’m no fool! His youth can’t be natural.”

Cenric snorted. “Agreed. I actually
met
Sarpedon thirty years ago and he looks
exactly the same
as he did then. He hasn’t aged a day. Can anyone explain this?”

“NezReth?” Koal demanded.

Terrible silence marred the suite until NezReth replied in a quiet, hesitant voice. “Magic is capable of such strange and, often times, perverse things, but I am afraid I have no answers to give you—only unverified speculations. I will need to delve further into this matter.”

“In the meantime, we all must stay alert. Something about this situation feels very wrong,” Koal whispered.

Cenric issued a lengthy sigh. “I don’t like it. I don’t like any of it.”

“Like it or not, we’re here. It’s too soon to go running with our tails tucked. The least we can do is meet with the Emperor and listen to his proposal—and plan accordingly from there.”

Joel forced his legs to move. If they hadn’t invited him into the conversation then he shouldn’t be listening. A chill crept up his spine as he slid into one of the empty bedchambers. What kind of power did the Northern Empire possess if they were not only able to control the weather, but also prolong the life of their ruler? He’d never heard of such magery.
And if NezReth isn’t sure either, this must be some rare or forbidden magic indeed. Has the Emperor somehow managed to defy time? Is that why he isn’t aging?

Shaking his head, Joel turned to examine the room. Silken curtains rustled in the breeze coming through a single, oval-shaped window. Fresh morning light poured into the chamber, illuminating the white marble walls and colorful motifs on the bedspread. He could see the garden outside, and the smell of spiced food and flowers hung on the air. It was a shame he couldn’t bring himself to enjoy any of the beauty the palace offered.

Joel flopped down onto the bed and stared at the decorative stucco ceiling. He exhaled slowly, feeling as though it was the first real breath he’d gotten since arriving in Teivel.
Chhaya’s bane. What did I get myself into?
I’m not cut out for this
. He closed his eyes, and all he could see was Gib’s face. A deep, wrenching ache gripped his heart.
I’m so sorry, Gib. I shouldn’t have left the way I did.

“Joel?” Cenric called tentatively from the door.

Joel hurried to sit up, wiping his damp cheeks with a sleeve. “S–sorry. I was just resting for a moment.”

“It’s all right.” Cenric’s smile was genuine as always, which reminded Joel why he respected the ambassador so much. Cenric motioned toward the bed. “May I talk to you about something before we’re called for mealtime?”

Joel scooted over to make room, doing his best to push thoughts of Gib aside. “Yes, of course.”
This isn’t about the Emperor, is it? Did they catch me listening to their conversation?

Cenric sat on the edge of the bed and turned to face Joel. “I’m sure you’ve done your own research about the Northern Empire, but I felt it wise to warn you about something, in case it was overlooked during your own studies.” His smile fell away. “Things are different here. Laws are—more strict, and the penalties for disobedience much harsher. I’m not sure whether you’re aware or not, but romanticizing with someone of the same gender—” Cenric’s cheeks were turning a noticeable shade of red as he stumbled over his words. “—is forbidden in the Northern Empire.”

Joel let out a horrified gasp. What, exactly, was Cenric implying? All the emotion he’d kept bottled inside manifested as bitter anger and poured out. “I’m well aware of the law— do you really think so little of me? Are you worried I might seduce some poor Imperial courtier and ruin Arden’s chance at peaceful negotiation? I can’t believe you would even suggest such a thing!”

Shock crossed Cenric’s face, and Joel knew he’d overstepped his boundaries. He glared at his hands, which sat in his lap and trembled as he tried to contain the despair billowing inside his heart.
I should have stayed with Gib. Now I have nothing. I ripped his heart out and then didn’t even tell him how sorry I was. I don’t deserve to survive this mission, and I don’t deserve Gib
.

“I apologize,” Joel whispered. “I didn’t mean to raise my voice at you. I just—I said goodbye to Gib—possibly forever—and I’m really,
really
not interested in pursuing anyone here, so you and the others needn’t worry.” A rebellious tear slid down one cheek.

“I wasn’t suggesting you would, I swear to you.” Cenric leaned in, placing a hand on Joel’s shoulder. “I know you wouldn’t ever compromise the mission, and I know your heart lies with Gib. I only wanted to remind you not to speak openly about your personal life. We’ll find no friends here, and
any
one of us could mistakenly say something that could be used against us.” Squeezing Joel’s shoulder, Cenric lowered his voice even further. “I’m sorry. You shouldn’t have to hide who you are from anyone. But while we’re here—”

“I understand. It has to be this way.”

Cenric sighed, hazel eyes sorrowful. “It’s not fair. This is why I had reservations about coming to Teivel. Arden is not without her faults, but we’ve made remarkable progress breaking away from the influence of the Northern Empire. I just—see no good to come from this meeting between the two nations. The last time Sarpedon offered an alliance, his goal was to extend the Empire’s law to encompass all of Arden beneath it. He wanted to take over the country. I can only pray that isn’t the case now.” Cenric’s voice trailed off in an eerie wisp as he stared aimlessly across the room.

“You’ve been an ambassador of Arden for over half your life. Father has been seneschal for nearly as long. Between the two of you, I know the country will never be led astray or taken advantage of.”

Cenric met Joel’s gaze, and for the first time since their conversation had begun, the envoy’s frown dissipated, replaced by a weak smile. “Share some of your confidence with this old fool, will you?” He patted Joel on the shoulder one last time before taking to his feet. “I should put on presentable clothing. I’m sure we’ll be called for morning meal any time now.” Cenric paused beneath the door frame. “And try not to worry about what’s going on back home. From what you’ve told me of Gib, he seems to be a good fellow. I’m sure he understands why you chose to come. Likewise, I’m sure he’ll be happy to see you upon your return.”

Joel sucked in a sharp breath. “Yes. I’m sure you’re right.”
No. You don’t know. No one knows. I ruined everything, and I have only myself to blame for it
.

Cenric departed, leaving Joel alone to wallow in his emotions for some time. Finally, he wiped his eyes dry and took a deep breath.
Pull yourself together
.
You’re here now. There’s nothing that can be done about Gib while you’re in the Empire, and feeling sorry for yourself isn’t going to help the mission. You came to assist Cenric and protect Father. Now how about you actually do something useful!

He changed out of his damp clothing and into a clean robe, hoping a fresh set of clothes would help renew his spirit. By the time he meandered back into the common room, his stomach was growling as ferociously as a wild animal.
I certainly hope mealtime is sooner than later
.

Cenric smiled as Joel sat down beside him on the lounge. “Feel better?”

Joel’s cheeks flushed as the other envoys turned to look at him. Unable to maintain eye contact with any of them, he opted to stare at the intricate threadwork on the lounge. “Much better now that I’m out of those wet clothes.” He bit his tongue and hoped no one would notice his discomfort.
I don’t need Father worrying about me—or to give Liro any excuses to remind me what a disappointment I am
.

Koal unraveled a blank sheet of parchment and waved it at Hasain. “Fetch me an inkwell and quill. I need to start my report for the King.”

Hasain locked his jaw but did as he was told. Liro stood against one of the pillars toward the back of the room and smirked openly at the young lord’s misfortune.

Cenric cocked his head to the side. “Already? We’ve barely unpacked.”

Sighing, Koal sat behind the only table the suite had to offer. “I promised him weekly updates.” Hasain came back a moment later, handing Koal the quill and setting the inkwell onto the table. Koal thanked him with a silent nod.

“Have you given any thought to your messages being intercepted?” Cenric asked, his brows furrowing with concern. “What then?”