The Myatheira Chronicles: Volume Two: Beyond the Veil (39 page)

“So it is true? It is a war game of your people?”

“A war game?” Callum chuckled. “I suppose one could call it such. It requires much thought to protect the queen from your opponent’s advancing army.”

“I insist you demonstrate your skill, then.” Phaezut positioned himself on his stool with greater ease, lifting his spidery arms to rest casually against the edge of the table. The padded tip of his index finger tapped at the head of the piece designated as his queen, his eyes holding Callum’s gaze steady.

Nervous for Callum’s success, Aiva tried to avoid pacing, hands clasped daintily to her front, watching the men with a curious gaze. Losuvas had always been one of her family’s favorite pastimes though Aiva rarely had an opportunity to play. In the back of her mind she was grateful the challenge had been made to Callum instead of her.

While the men began their game, Aiva smiled pleasantly at the servant who approached, providing them each with a new glass of wine. She knew it was a bad idea to consume so much of the drink, but it helped to soothe her frayed nerves. Relax the tension in her muscles. Just having something in her hands helped to prevent notice of her fidgeting.

Several more glasses of wine had come to pass while the men played before Phaezut chose to speak again. “You are quite skilled,” he stated respectfully, sliding one of his miniature soldiers into an empty square. “At this rate, I am becoming concerned.”

“It has been some time since I played last, though I used to consider myself a decent opponent. Lucky for me, the game never really leaves you. Even after years, you can come right back to it.” Callum made another move, his hand lifting to reach for his half-empty glass off to one side. “I daresay, your queen is in danger.”

Aiva straightened her back, stepping in closer to stand behind Callum at the announcement. He was winning? Her heart pounded at the possibility. Excited, she watched Phaezut’s gaze scan the board, searching for a means of securing his victory once again. “You are a clever boy for your age. I may have underestimated you.”

Callum’s eyes seemed to sparkle in the flickering torchlight as he followed Phaezut’s hand, keeping a close watch on where he chose to move. Content with the outcome, Callum slid his king across the board, his smile widening. “My army has prevailed,” he declared. “I believe it would only be fair to give my Princess an answer to her offer, if you are satisfied.”

“Yes. I suppose that would be fair,” Phaezut nodded absently, looking over the pieces in search of some possibility of error in Callum’s victory. Finding nothing, he rose to his feet, offering his hand to Callum. “Well played, Prince. I cannot recall the last time I was bested at this game. I am impressed.” Following Phaezut’s lead, Callum stood, nearly knocking the remaining pieces from the board with his long legs. Phaezut laughed, giving Callum’s hand a firm shake. “Maybe I should have challenged you to a drinking contest instead. I may be small, but the wine lacks the effect on me it appears to have taken on you.”

“Ah, but it did nothing to hinder my success at the game,” Callum smiled, tapping the side of his head with his index finger. “Or was that your plan? To dull my tactical prowess through wine?”

Clapping his hand proudly over Callum’s shoulder, Phaezut invited Aiva to come closer. “I like you, boy,” he grinned. “And because of that, I think we have a deal. Come, Princess. Persuade me with your charming smile. Tell me what it is you require of my men to return your sister to safety.”

Aiva nibbled her lower lip. A nervous habit she had been unable to overcome. She doubted her ability to articulate her request through the fogginess of her mind. The wine had been a great help in getting through the tediousness of the game, though now it felt more like a hindrance. Preventing her from piecing together the words she wanted to say. “We have a great deal of lost time to make up for,” she started slowly, taking care to make sure every syllable came out as intended. “You said your men know the desert. If you are willing to spare a soldier or two who could guide us to the coast, it would certainly expedite our travel. We would be in your debt.”

“Nonsense,” Phaezut smiled. “This is business. There is no debt accrued. If I assist you, the favor is returned through trade. And you are very reasonable in your request.” His words were somewhat less clear than they had been at dinner, no doubt affected by the alcohol, despite his claims of suffering no side-effects. Reaching out his hand, Phaezut pressed his rough, padded fingertips against Aiva’s chin, looking her over appraisingly. “You are a sweet girl,” he stated through slurred speech. “I am honored to consider your people an ally of the Feh Noq. Give me until the wine wears off to gather some men, and I will see you reach the coast without further delay.”

Her eyes lit up at the news. He would help? They had done it! She could barely contain herself from taking Callum in her arms for a celebratory hug. Now wasn’t the time to lose focus. They needed to maintain their respectable demeanor until Phaezut retired for the morning. “That is wonderful news,” she beamed thankfully. With his help, there was still a glimmer of hope for them. They might catch the pirates yet. “We will await word from you on our departure. Once my sister is returned safely north, I will make sure your people are well-fed. You have my word on that.”

“It is settled then! I have enjoyed doing business with you both,” Phaezut gave a partial bow, waving his hand toward the courtyard. “I must take my leave of you for now. I insist you make yourselves at home during the remainder of your stay. Feel free to enjoy whatever comforts suit you, as my sincerest apologies for your first impression of my city. I will send for you tomorrow when you awaken.”

Unsteady, Phaezut lowered his arms to the ground to hold himself on all four limbs. With a decisive nod he moved away, leaving them alone amidst the fragrant air of the morning. Aiva waited until he was out of sight before turning to face Callum, gazing at him excitedly. “You were amazing!” she breathed, pulling him to her in a warm embrace.

“Me?” he laughed. “You did all the work. I merely played a game.”

“But you were amazing at that game,” Aiva grinned. Her happiness was overflowing. They were going to get Shaelyn back. It would only be a matter of time. “I know we should be getting to sleep if we’re going to be ready for our journey tomorrow, but I don’t think I could close my eyes if I wanted. Everything is going so well and the night is absolutely beautiful.”

“If we’re not retiring for the night, then what do you suggest we do?”

“I don’t know,” she sighed. Deep in thought, she pursed her lips, thinking over their options. There was little to occupy their time in the palace. As children they would have found plenty to entertain themselves; as adults it was far more difficult. At times she wished they could simply return to the carefree days of their childhood. “You know,” she started, knowing it was foolish to suggest the thought in her mind, unable to stop the words that fell from her lips. “There are plenty of hiding places in this courtyard. Do you think you would be able to find me?”

Throwing his head back Callum laughed. “Aiva, I am forty years old. I think I have outgrown hide-and-seek, and certainly not while in the courtyard of a foreign dignitary.”

“Oh, come on, Callum,” she urged, grabbing his hand to lead him further down the garden path. “There is no one around and your men never have to know. We could do it for old time’s sake.”

Reluctantly he let her pull him along, glancing hesitantly over his shoulder toward the palace doors. “I don’t think you realize the power you have over people,” he shook his head, staring at Aiva in mild amusement. “I’m convinced you could talk a man into cutting off his own arm if you got it in your mind to ask it of him.”

“I am not asking you to cut off anything. I’m telling you to come find me,” she winked playfully, disappearing around one of the bushes. It was a ridiculous notion. They were far too old to be playing games, but something about the night felt invigorating. Perhaps the wine, or something else. The relief of knowing that they had secured the Feh Noq’s assistance in reaching the sea. In a few days they would be to the coast and Edric would be waiting for them, ready to head to Luquarr and fight the pirates. With the additional troops, they were bound to succeed. She felt a single moment of silliness was permissible. They deserved it after the torment of the past few weeks.

Through the maze of flowers and vines, she ducked around one of the trellises, pressing her back against it, afraid to move in fear of making any noise which would give away her location. She was concealed on all sides by the dense green foliage. It was the perfect place to hide. Callum was sure to pass her by and then she could find an escape into the palace and to the room before he could catch her.

Listening intently, she could hear the sound of footsteps slowly moving along the path. It was all she could do to keep from bursting into a fit of giggles. If her mother could see her now! She would be so displeased. Her parents had likely never completed a business meeting and then run amok through the gardens of their ally. But no one had to know. A single game wouldn’t hurt anyone. As the footsteps came closer, she found herself holding her breath. Stiffened against the surface of the trellis, careful not to damage the flowers clinging to it.

In a rustle of leaves Callum appeared at Aiva’s side, covering her mouth as she jumped in surprise, her shocked scream muffled under his palm. He had gotten better at searching for her. Either that or the wine was making her less skilled at stealth. Both options were perfectly plausible. Holding her in his arms, they both started to laugh quietly at their own foolishness, heads leaned in as if sharing some inside joke that no one else could possibly understand. Something about being so close to him was making her feel giddy. No doubt heightened by the effects of the wine. A sensation almost tangible, like electricity pulsing between them, only added to the trembling she felt beginning in her knees, her heart fluttering. She wondered if he felt it as well, though if he did, he showed no sign of it.

“We shouldn’t linger here. Someone might find us and think we have lost our minds,” he grinned, taking Aiva’s hand to guide her out from behind the trellis. Removed from the seclusion of their hiding place, she felt the unnatural thud of her heart start to slow, easing back into a normal rhythm.

She gave no hesitation as Callum led her through the winding pathways toward the palace where they had met with Phaezut only a short while ago. It felt hours since he left them, the empty glasses from their wine still littering the table near the game board. Lost in their nervous, playful laughter, they made their way along the corridors, searching for the hall where Aiva’s room was located. When it came into view, she couldn’t deny the sadness that filled her heart at the thought of parting ways with Callum. She wasn’t ready for the night to end. If he would just stay with her a little longer.

“This is where I must leave you,” he announced, motioning toward the door with a smile. “I have to say, the evening was far more enjoyable than I anticipated. You were stunning. That old wizard had no chance at escaping your charms.”

“Oh, I thought we were done for when we first arrived to dinner. Nothing I did could get the image out of my head of Edric sitting there in some ridiculous mask.”

“Me too!” Callum exclaimed, their laughter ringing through the empty hall, both of them desperately trying to hush the other, only making everything feel that much funnier, though Aiva wasn’t entirely sure why. They were being absurd, but she didn’t mind. There was a comfort in having her Callum back. The way he’d been as a boy, unrestrained by the stern behavior instilled upon him through military training. In that instant there were no hard feelings between them. No lingering doubts the way there had been throughout their journey. She didn’t want the night to end. Not yet.

Without turning away from Callum, Aiva fumbled with her hand behind her back, turning the knob on the door. “You can come in for a while, if you like,” she smiled, tugging his hand gently as she started to back into the room. He hesitated, moving forward a step before pausing, glancing up and down the hall, suddenly nervous.

“I… probably should not. Gadiel and Kaemin will be waiting for me. They likely were expecting me to seek them hours ago.”

At Callum’s resistance, Aiva ceased her entrance into the room, stepping forward to cover the gap between them, stumbling over her feet, nearly falling against his chest. He caught her in his arms, holding her in place until she was able to regain her balance. “There would be nothing wrong with you staying. We should begin our plans for what to do once we reach the coast.”

“Neither of us are in any condition to plan tactics against the pirates,” he chortled, clearing his throat as he released his hold on Aiva. “We can work on our strategy once the wine has worn off.”

“But Callum – ” bashfully she averted her eyes. He was putting up more of fight than she thought he would. The wine was interfering with her own ability to see all the reasons why it was best for them to say their farewells. Her head was filled with too many memories from the past. Too many feelings that had been dormant inside her heart for so long. She knew the risks of inviting him to stay. And she couldn’t bring herself to care. They wouldn’t let anything happen. It was perfectly innocent. “I’m not ready to be alone. Could you keep me company for just a little while longer?”

With renewed purpose, she stared into his eyes, pleading with him, knowing it was working. Gradually the determination in his gaze started to fade, the tension in his stance easing, allowing her to pull him forward another step. “I… suppose. A few minutes couldn’t hurt…”

“Ah, Captain! There you are,” Gadiel’s voice sounded suddenly from the end of the hall, immediately drawing Aiva’s attention from Callum, embarrassed by the interruption. No longer certain of what she had been doing, she released her hold on Callum’s hands, straightening her back proudly. Blinking his eyes in realization of who spoke, Callum turned to face Gadiel, nodding to him in acknowledgement.