CHAPTER 20

As soon as he witnessed Calix’s moment of discovery, Leeto sank back on the balcony, ensuring that he wouldn’t be seen. He climbed over a railing and dropped to the floor below, slinking down to the courtyard as quickly as possible.

It worked. It had actually worked. Seeing the snake on her shoulder was the greatest triumph of his life, at least thus far.

He hastened toward the palace intent on finding His Majesty, announcing his victory, and going into hiding until Calix had time to calm down. He would stay close enough to protect his family should Eryx make good on his threats, but otherwise he would lie low, making plans for his future schemes that centered around Tali Tivka. Phase one was complete. Time to move on to phase two.

There was a great swell of people crushing into the courtyard. Of course. Today was the fight. Eryx would be getting in the ring for the first time in years. That would buy him some time, especially if Eryx were to lose.

He entered the palace and asked the butler for an immediate audience with King Damien. After a few moments of waiting, he was led to the throne room. King Damien was alone except his guards.

“I have done it, Your Majesty. I have completed the task.”

Damien stared at Leeto, not saying a word.

“She’s here, an Adian. She is in Calix’s house right now. The snake is on her back, clear as day.”

Damien brought his gloved fingers together in front of his face in contemplation. “Explain yourself. Who is she? Why is she with Calix?”

“Her name is Tovi. Calix and I both met her in Adia, but at different times. Calix was working too slowly, and I saw a good opportunity to deliver an Adian into your hands right away. I taught her Control. She used it brilliantly, I must say. I think he thought it was Adoration, but it’s my snake on her shoulder, not his crown. I completed the task. I won.”

“I’m sorry to tell you, Leeto, but I have changed my mind on the parameters of this task. I am no longer content with an Adian merely being here on the mountain. To hear the new rules, come to the next meeting when I summon the Council. You are still in the running, but I am not convinced we have a winner yet.”

Leeto stared at the king, wide-eyed and quiet. He had been fooled. King Damien was the ultimate master of Control, and he had wielded it against the weapons. He should have seen through the reward. King Damien would never give up land or wealth or power.

Without saying goodbye, he turned on his heel and left the palace with his head held high. He went home long enough to pack a small satchel and then rushed out of the city. The idea of finding his own way to power raised his spirits. He didn’t need to win a contest for His Majesty. He could do it all by himself. He would learn what task Tali was up to for Adwin. Then he would use that information to take over the mountain. He couldn’t wait to force Damien to look upon one of his former weapons sitting on his old throne.

He scurried through the Bottom Rung and went straight to the mines. He hopped into one of the large metal baskets and rode down to the bottom. If he turned to the southwest, there was an arch that would lead him out near Adia. Instead, he turned north, following the large stone terrace to another arch. This one would eventually take him out in the dense area of forest in the foothills.

Hidden in the depths of this woods was a cluster of boulders that overshadowed a cave. This cave held his biggest secret. He hadn’t even told his dear sister about it. It was the exact cave where Tali Tivka was last reported to be seen.

When he reached the right place, he climbed behind a giant fallen tree and stealthily entered the mouth of a small cave. There was hay on the ground as if someone had been sleeping there regularly, and the charred remains of a fire looked as if it had been cold for only a day or so. There was a small pile of edible plants next to it, along with a small knife and black kettle. Good, good. He didn’t pack up for good. He’ll be back.

Leeto went back outside and looked all around him. He spotted a tree with a wide limb that would be perfect for a long stake out. He climbed, settled in, and waited for Tali to return.

He knew his small body and unpracticed muscles would be no match for Tali Tivka, but he had a plan.