Nightfall: Book Two of the Chronicles of Arden (36 page)

Gib studied an illustration which compared two of the creatures side by side. Both had similar features, with feathered crests, wings, and tails. The only difference in the two were their overall sizes and genders. The woman stood probably a foot taller than her male counterpart.

Zandi tapped one long finger on the open page. “Their women are rare, rumored to be as few as one in thirty or more. And they only reproduce once every forty years or something like that. It’s a wonder the race hasn’t died out.”

“I suppose that’s interesting, but I don’t know why my friend wanted me to study them. Do they ever come into the populated areas of Arden?”

“Not in recent history. Human cities and towns have driven them farther up into the mountains. I mean, they thrive there. Their feathers and tough hides keep them warm, but they don’t have much range over the flatter places.”

Gib frowned. “Their teeth and claws look nasty. Maybe it’s a good thing they’re not common in the lowlands. They could pose a threat.”

“I suppose,” Zandi shrugged. “But I don’t think they’d want to fight humanity anyway. Humans tend to live on the ground and in small homes. Demharlin prefer high altitudes and open space.”

“But if they’re overcrowded in the mountains, what then? Would they be tempted to attack humans to gain more land?” Gib knew he was grasping at straws now. What in the two worlds did these creatures have to do with the conversation he’d witnessed earlier? Had Diddy given him the name of the wrong book?

“Oh, the Pinnacles aren’t their
sole
habitat. They can live anywhere there are mountains or cliffs. Some have been sighted as far south as Tembo and across the western sea on the cliffs of Derry. I don’t know that they’d be looking for more land.”

“Huh.” Gib continued to leaf through the book. “Maybe I’ll have to borrow this. It may take a while to learn what I’m supposed to know. There’s more here than I would have thought.”

Zandi smiled. “I know. The demharlin are one of my favorites because they’re so interesting. The other species of Folk are too, but some of them are so secretive that they’re hard to observe—like the naga in Shantar. My mother is native to the land. She’s told me bedtime stories of the naga since I was a baby, but most of the tales are rumors and speculation.”

Gib flipped through until he found another drawing. This one was of a demharlin and a human standing side by side. The caption beneath their feet simply listed the illustration as “shifted form.” What did that mean? He turned the book toward Zandi and pointed. “Is this a size comparison? What does shifted form mean?”

“Oh, the magic left behind from their demon heritage allows the demharlin to be shape shifters. They can take on the appearance of species who are similar to them, like humans or goblins. They may be able to shift to look like harpies as well. I’m not sure.”

Gib’s stomach sank. These creatures could disguise themselves to look human? Was
that
what Diddy was trying to tell him? Maybe there was one or more of these demharlin hunting the King or his family. Gib had thought the council was King Rishi’s biggest worry, but maybe the royal family’s troubles ran deeper.

“There are several species of Folk who can shift.” Zandi’s voice was more a background noise, but Gib nodded along to appease the other man. “It depends on their origins, really. The sirens and banshee can also shift. It has to do with those species having demon bloodlines. They all have strong natural magic—”

Gib closed the book and stood promptly. “I think I’ve figured out what I’m supposed to be studying. Thank you for your help.”

Zandi reeled, looking around, before he stood as well. “All—all right. I guess you’ll be off now?”

“It’s getting late.” Gib nearly winced. It hadn’t been his intention to glean knowledge from Zandi only to run out on him, but he really did need to go somewhere more private to pour over all of this.

“I suppose.” Zandi looked out the darkening window. “Well, good luck.”

Ugh. Stop being an arse. After the way you treated him at the tavern, you need to redeem yourself
. Though, truth be told, it was becoming less and less difficult to converse with Zandi. Gib floundered for something more to say. “Thank you though. Really, you were a big help.”

Zandi walked just ahead of him as both men took their leave. “Eh, I like talking probably even more than you like listening. I should thank you.”

A smile pulled at Gib’s mouth, and a strange feeling stirred to life just under his skin. It was an unexplainable pang of warmth that left him wanting to shiver. He wasn’t sure when his opinion of Zandi had changed, but it had. Gib found himself liking the mage more the more they spoke to one another. “I’d say you’re decent company, especially after our rocky start.”

Zandi flashed a dazzling smile over his shoulder, emerald eyes dancing in the low light. “Decent company? Is that the best you can say for me?”

“Well, I—” Gib sputtered, trying to redeem himself.

Zandi’s laughter was melodic, pleasing to the ear. “It’s hard to say what sort of company you are. You barely talk at all.”

As they approached the desk, Gib’s face burst with heat. “I talk. You just haven’t been around when I’m talking!” He set the book on the counter and looked around. Syther seemed to have disappeared.

“Oh?” One of Zandi’s dark brows arched coyly, and the bindi painted onto his forehead glittered in the false light. He leaned against the desk. “Well then, where would I find you while you
are
talking? I mean, if I’m ever going to determine whether you’re good company or not, I would have to hear you say a little more.”

Gib’s insides danced in a strange mix of excitement and anxiety. This interaction with Zandi wasn’t wrong, was it? He thought of Joel’s icy blue eyes, and his heart twisted, though not as sharply as it once had. Is this what it was like to move on? Gib wasn’t sure he liked it.
Oh, hell. It’s not like I’m asking Zandi for his hand or anything! Joel told me I deserved to be happy. He even encouraged it. What will it hurt if I befriend Zandi?
When he finally responded, his voice sounded more confident than he was feeling inside. “I go to the Rose Bouquet with my friends some evenings. Usually the last one of the sennight.”

“So if I showed up on one of those evenings I might chance to see you?”

Gib smiled despite his shaking nerves. “Yeah. You might.”

“All right then.” Zandi locked eyes with him and flashed a devious beam. “I suppose I’ll see you soon. Perhaps you’ll have something more to say.”

“Maybe. You might even find you enjoy my company.”

Joel licked his dry lips and glanced around the council chamber. All the envoys, foreign and local alike, were already present and called to order. He tapped his fingers on the dry piece of parchment he’d been given for note-taking and waited for the discussion to start. No matter how many times he sat in this dark, windowless chamber, he never seemed able to calm his rapid heart or frayed nerves. Had they really been in Teivel for three fortnights? He’d lost track of the days. Joel gazed over at his father and stiffened at what he saw.

Koal’s mouth was drawn into a thin frown. In the dim light, the seneschal of Arden looked tired and gaunt. Joel wished he could somehow offer more support. His father was being worn too thin. Six sennights in this foreign country had taken its toll on him the most.

Emperor Sarpedon gestured toward Adrian Titus, who nodded his head once before addressing the group. “I believe we were to pick up where we last left off. Chancellor Garron, you have agreed to sign the treaty discussed at the meeting two days ago?”

The chancellor of Nales bowed his head before he spoke. “After much deliberation, Archmage, I have decided it will be in my country’s best interest to sign.” His stiff voice masked any emotion he may have been feeling, but Joel was sure he could feel unspoken tension leaching from the leader.

Nales was a small country and its precarious position on the Northern Empire’s southern border probably left the chancellor feeling vulnerable. What could he possibly do to save his tiny country if Emperor Sarpedon decided to take it? Of course signing the treaty was in his best interest.

A scroll was sent across the table along with a quill and inkwell. Chancellor Garron’s brow knitted as he pulled it closer to read it.

Adrian waved his hand, an irritated scowl flashing across his lips. “I believe you’ll find the wording to your liking. The Northern Empire will be allowed to use your seaports, free of charge and with priority, while we commence our war with Derry. In return, once we have conquered the island nation, the Empire will share the spoils gained there. They’re all mentioned in the treaty—limestone from the cliffs, silver ore, livestock, etcetera.”

“Yes, yes. I see.” Garron’s hand hovered over the quill for a moment before he took it and signed his name.

Joel tried not to stare while the foreign ruler made his treaty, but morbid curiosity stole over him, and he just couldn’t look away. Beside him, Hasain’s breathing hitched.

As soon as Chancellor Garron set his quill down, the scroll was swept away. Adrian didn’t waste even a moment before turning his sharp gaze onto Koal. The seneschal stiffened but didn’t avert his eyes.

“Has Arden reconsidered our offer, Seneschal Koal?”

“I stand by my previous decision.” Koal was met with cold disapproval when he offered nothing more.

The Emperor shot a stern look at the Archmage, and Adrian’s shoulders noticeably stiffened under the pressure. The false light cast dramatic shadows over his eyes and mouth, aging him. “Port Ostlea would be an invaluable asset to us in our time of war. Of all the ports on the western sea, Ostlea sits closest to Derry. Would the silver and other mining ores from the island not tempt even your king?”

Koal heaved a sigh. “I’m afraid there’s nothing you could offer to change Arden’s mind. The war on Derry is not ours, and I won’t make arrangements contrary to that. We came here to negotiate peace, not house naval forces for a foreign army.”

Joel reminded himself to breathe. The stale air in the enclosed council room coupled with the heavy silence to create a stifling blanket. The Imperial councilors looked on the Ardenian envoys with cold frowns and judging eyes. Koal met the glares head on, refusing to budge even a little.

The torture lasted only a moment longer before Adrian redirected his attention to the Dhaki princes, Kadar and Rami. “His Grace has also taken the time to outline the peace agreements Shiraz has consented to.” He sent a scroll across the table to them. “You’ll see it has been written out in both your language and ours. You need only sign it once. This will ensure the northern trade routes from Beihai can be utilized to their full capacity. In return, the Empire will help to fortify your northwestern and eastern borders.”

The interpreter relayed the message to the princes, who each took their turns signing. Koal waited for them to go quiet before clearing his throat pointedly. “Remind me, why is it that Shiraz feels the need to reinforce its shared border with Arden if we were called here to come to a peaceful resolution?”

Joel was content to frown down at the empty parchment sitting before him but caught sight of Cenric moving out of the corner of his eye. The ambassador leaned toward Koal and whispered something about remembering proper etiquette. Koal seemed entirely unmoved and didn’t respond. Liro, on the other hand, scoffed and lifted his nose into the air.

Prince Kadar lifted his gleaming eyes to look at Koal. His voice was low and deliberate, as if he might have been having trouble containing his emotions. It was difficult for Joel to be sure, with the difference in languages. “Shiraz has people and lands to protect, Seneschal Koal. It was our hope to find peace with Arden as well but thus far our efforts have proven fruitless.”

Koal leaned back in his seat. “It’s unfortunate we haven’t been able to find any middle ground, I would agree, but surely there’s no need for walls to be constructed and fortified between our lands.”

Rami hissed a string of harsh words, but no translation was offered. Kadar waved a hand at him, silencing his clipped words, but never took his eyes away from Koal. “If you seek peace then a wall should not bother you. We must take this opportunity to ensure nothing more will be taken from us.”

Joel slammed his eyes shut and heard Hasain shift in his seat. Koal didn’t respond, but it may have been due to lack of time. Almost immediately, Adrian’s sly voice picked up once more. “If Port Ostlea were to be open to us, the Northern Empire would be available to lend military aid, should Arden need it.”

“You have this figured out from all ends, don’t you?” Koal wasn’t reserved with his proclamation. “You get your trades with Shiraz and help them build a wall, you use Arden’s seaport to propel your war on Derry and ‘help’ us in the event we go to war with Shiraz. That’s a nice pedestal you’ve perched yourselves on.”

Cenric nudged Koal’s elbow. He gave the seneschal a heavy look but still kept his mouth closed. Joel’s heart hammered in his chest. How could Cenric keep so calm? Everything was beginning to unravel right before their eyes.

Adrian’s face pinched, his cheeks going a fiery red, but before he could say anything, Prince Alerio leaned around him to address Koal for the first time. “Such is the business of treaties and alliances.”

Koal folded his arms over his chest. “Alliances are to be made where both parties benefit from them, Your Highness. And right now, I fail to see where any of these treaties benefit Arden.”

The prince smiled, and with a shudder, Joel had to look away. He’d never make a good politician. He couldn’t bear looking into the faces of snakes. Alerio went on as casually as if he were discussing the weather. “You could give permission for a marital alliance between our countries. That would ensure Arden’s safety with the Northern Empire.”

Hasain’s fist clenched, crumpling his parchment into a ball.

Koal’s voice was every bit as icy as Hasain was ablaze. “I will
not
be making any such alliances concerning the heirs of Arden. My King would have to give such permission—”

“But of course, your king didn’t come to Teivel to discuss such things for himself.” Adrian glared coolly from his seat, and Joel winced when he heard Liro laugh.

“The Radek children are just that—children—and I will not be auctioning them off no matter how high the bid.” Koal’s sharp voice clipped on the final word, and Joel sank down into his seat. Years of living with his father had taught Joel that this is where the discussion should be abandoned.

But Prince Alerio apparently didn’t care. “
Seneschal
.” The prince spit out the word as if it tasted bitter on his tongue. “What was the point in Arden coming here if no treaties were going to be made? It was the hope of His Grace to find peace.”

“Again,” Koal ground out, “Alliances are made when both parties benefit. I’ve yet to see any benefit for Arden.”

Joel’s heart thudded to a feeble stop. He wanted to be proud of his father for keeping to his morals, but the silence in the council chamber was frightening. Not a single word or sound was uttered for what felt like an eternity. Finally, a throat was cleared, and all eyes turned to Emperor Lichas Sarpedon.

His mouth was set in a grim line, and his eyes were cold and calculating. “It would be in Arden’s best interest to align with us, Seneschal. After all, should Shiraz declare war, who will be your ally? No one.”

Koal tapped his fingers, the sound resonating in the otherwise silent room. A heavy sigh escaped his lips, and he seemed to be weighing something in his mind. “With all due respect, Your Grace, Arden has seen more than one war in her time. We have managed well in the past, and I can’t see any reason to change our alliances now. Even with any threat that may come from Shiraz—” Koal paused briefly to make eye contact with Prince Kadar “—I am confident in Arden’s ability to defend herself. And more to the point, Shiraz has asked for help to build a wall, not their army. It would hardly seem they were making a plan for attack, unless I’m unaware of something.”

Heavy quiet fell once more as the interpreter whispered to the Dhaki princes. When he was done relaying Koal’s words, both Kadar and Rami withdrew in their seats, casting icy glares toward the seneschal.

Adrian was the first to move as he slid a roll of parchment across the table. “If it would please you, you may look upon the treaty once more. Consider what has been offered to you, Seneschal Koal. Perhaps you should contact your king. Does he know what decisions you are making in his stead? He might find our offer more favorable than you think—”

Koal scoffed, and his elbow was nudged by Cenric once more, a severe look in his eyes. The seneschal disregarded Cenric’s good sense, however, and proceeded onward without so much as a flinch. “King Rishi’s submission cannot be bought with treasures or trinkets. I assure you, he’ll care for your offer as little as I do.”

Adrian’s right eye twitched. His jaw was locked so hard that Joel could almost hear teeth cracking under the pressure. The Archmage took a stilted breath. “It would seem the viper has built his nest then.”

Joel’s arm shot out on its own accord to catch Hasain before the Radek lord could stand. Koal, however, was on his feet in an instant. Joel’s entire body went rigid as he prepared himself for shouting and fury.

Yet when he spoke, Koal’s voice was an unnerving whisper. “All this talk of vipers, yet the only venom I’ve encountered here is yours. I’ve heard enough. I won’t sit idly while your foul mouth disgraces my king.” The seneschal reached across the table and snatched up the treaty. He didn’t even glance down at it before shredding the parchment and flinging the tiny pieces back at the Archmage. “As far as Arden is concerned, this meeting is over. We’re not making any progress here. It’s time for us to leave. We’re going home.”

Koal turned on his heel and stormed from the room without waiting to be dismissed, and Joel and the other Ardenian envoys were forced to run to catch up with him. Joel could feel the terrible glares of a dozen angry councilors on his back as he left, but he didn’t dare risk a glimpse back to confirm it.
 

Joel’s hands trembled as he placed the last of his belongings into his rucksack.
There. I think that’s everything
. He cast an extended gaze around the bedchamber, the room that had been his for the past six sennights. It was almost hard to believe that when he walked out the next morning, it would be for the last time. He was going home.
And none too soon. I’ve experienced more than enough Imperial culture to last a lifetime. I’ll be content with never having to see this place again
.

Joel left the rucksack on his bed and ventured into the common room, where the other members of the party were collecting their items and stowing them away. Koal sat at the desk, scribbling notes onto a fresh sheet of parchment paper. Cenric hovered above him, and they spoke in hushed voices about their final report to the King.

“Why are they bothering to send King Rishi a report if we’re all to be sent home tomorrow?” Joel asked as he took a seat beside Hasain on the lounge. “The message won’t even get to Arden before we arrive.”