Noc
Time passed slowly as I made my rounds, visiting my brethren and mingling with Rhyne’s forces. Isla and her people were formidable soldiers. They’d joined Oz’s troops in training and had little difficulty keeping up with his rigorous drills. Raven had taken to instructing the Charmers with more basic directions, as many of them had never held a blade before. When it came time to fight, they’d still rely on their beasts, but it was better to be prepared for anything—especially if they had to recall one of their creatures to the realm to heal, leaving them open for an attack. But as pleased as I was with everyone’s progress, it wasn’t enough to distract me from Leena and Kost’s absence.
Abandoning the lawns in favor of the courtyard outside the keep, I made my way to one of the stone benches surrounding an ornate fountain. An alabaster maiden poured sparkling water from her vase into a shallow, circular pool at her feet. The shrubs and flowers surrounding the structure were dormant, save one twig that was already sprouting a leaf. Spring was almost upon us—and so was the anniversary of Celeste’s death. We needed to march the moment Leena and Kost returned.
Footsteps sounded on the marble path leading to my seat, and I glanced up to find Gaige approaching me. Okean, his legendary water feline, strolled beside him. His twitching, finned tail swished back and forth like a broom. It was nice to see that Gaige’s transformation had only startled his beast initially. Now, Okean was as playful as ever. He rammed his head into Gaige’s hip and let out a yowl, and Gaige responded by reaching down to scratch behind his ears.
“He seems happy,” I said with a nod.
“Indeed.” Gaige gave him a loving pat before the beast leapt into the fountain and began rolling around in the water. “He’s keeping me distracted.”
“I see.” My fingers tapped restlessly against my thigh.
Gaige rubbed his jaw before sinking onto the bench beside me. “I’m sorry for my outburst. This is all very new.”
“It’s understandable. You’ve only been raised for a short while.”
“Even so, the thought of them sneaking into Wilheim or being trapped in the realm…” His voice was thick with unspoken emotion. “I don’t like it.”
“Me neither, but it was the right thing to do.” Or maybe it wasn’t. Their reasoning for going was sound, and had it been anyone else, I would’ve agreed without hesitation. But this was too much. Regret wormed through my gut as I stared at the trickling fountain. Losing one of them was unimaginable. If I lost both… An errant shadow flared to life in my palm, and I let it flow between my fingers.
It simply wasn’t an option.
Gaige watched me closely. “They won’t be gone long.”
I wasn’t sure if he was saying it to convince himself or me, but his words didn’t hold the conviction I needed to believe him. Standing, I silently commanded the shadow to disperse before pivoting toward Cruor’s camp. “We should alert everyone to begin packing.”
We’d never leave without Leena and Kost, but I needed something to do. Something to keep my mind off all the horrible things that could be happening to my family. And a small, irrational part of me insisted that readying ourselves now would somehow make them appear that much faster.
“Yes, well…” Gaige’s eyes slanted to the Kitska Forest, as if he were searching for something. “Before we set off, I should inform you I found—”
A plume of shadows exploded to life before us, and Emelia stepped out of the snarling mess of black tendrils. Wide-eyed, with a smile pulling tight at her lips, she practically bounced on her toes. “Kost’s plan worked.”
“What?” My heart stutter-stepped in my chest. They’d only just left. How? He couldn’t have possibly succeeded that quickly. I’d hoped they’d be swift in their journey, but there was no way he’d seek out Emelia before me.
“Oh, right. He may not have told you, given all the craziness that’s been going around.” She couldn’t help but glance at Gaige. “Before Kost met you in Rhyne, he stopped by Midnight Jester. Paid a bunch of travelers to visit Wilheim and spread rumor of your return.
“Apparently, it worked. Not as quickly as he’d have liked, but a troop of soldiers under the lead of one Sentinel arrived at Midnight Jester just this morning. They’re here to see if Prince Aleksander lives. And if so, rally to his side.”
I blinked. Of course Kost would put a plan like this into motion. A way to seed dissent without risking my life. I’d suggested somehow presenting myself to the people of Wilheim, but there was no possible way I would’ve survived. Simply spreading a rumor wasn’t as powerful as showing my face, but clearly it resulted in at least one brigade joining our side. Assuming I could prove to them I was alive. A quick shadow walk to Midnight Jester would solve that problem.
“How do you know they’re there?”
“Part of my and Iov’s duty. We were told to shadow walk there every couple of hours until we marched, just in case forces showed up.” She clasped her hands before her and rocked back on her heels. “I can go back now if you want me to. Let them know you’re here.”
“No. I’ll go. I need you to find Oz and Calem. Tell them to break down camp and ready our forces.” I did a quick sweep of the area, calculating how long it would take us to move out.
“Understood.” Emelia tipped her chin to her chest and then took off in the direction of Cruor’s camp.
Touching the key around his neck, Gaige sent Okean back to the beast realm. “If it’s all right with you, I’d like to tag along. I have business near there I need to check in on.”
I couldn’t help but frown. “Business?” I’d always known that Gaige juggled a variety of contacts. The mage, whoever he connected with during trips to Wilheim… But I wasn’t keen on any of his “business” interfering with our plans for war.
“I can explain after the meeting,” he said as he stood. “Besides, what’s the harm in having another ally by your side to present a strong front?”
I didn’t have time to argue, and part of me wondered if he was looking for a way to keep his mind occupied. I was glad for the opportunity to act, to busy myself with our war efforts while Kost and Leena did the same. Relenting with a tight nod, I turned on my heels and strolled briskly through the courtyard in the direction of the keep. Gaige kept up easily, his long strides laced with shadows. He still wasn’t in control. Not fully.
“Shadow walking is usually something more practiced assassins attempt. It isn’t an easy feat.”
His brows drew together. “I may have done it accidentally already. Imagine my fear, floating above my body and not knowing how to get back. I’d prefer to have someone with me for this next go-around so I can learn.”
Accidentally? I cut him a glance. It’d certainly happened to others before, but his talents were developing at an astonishing rate. If he didn’t learn to control them soon… I tracked an errant tendril that looped around his forearm and crawled down his fingers. He could end up swallowed whole. Permanently locked in the shadow world, unable to walk among his family and friends. In my life, I’d only seen one assassin fall prey to such a fate. He’d been on the verge of disappearing completely when Talmage slit the man’s throat. It had been a kinder fate than an endless life all alone.
I hadn’t forced anything on Gaige as the guild master of Cruor. Not yet. I wanted to give him time to adapt, and I wasn’t sure how keen he’d be on suddenly deferring to me as his leader. But when this war was over, I’d force him to train. I would not let him be consumed by darkness.
For now, what little instruction I could give him about shadow walking might aid in his control. “Fine. But we don’t have time to dally. If you don’t get it after a try or two, I’ll need to go on ahead to greet the Lendrian soldiers myself.”
“I’m a fast learner,” he said, and we quickly made our way into the quarters Leena and I shared. The room had been cleaned by attendants since our earlier meeting, and the polished coffee table was bare of empty mugs and plates. Gesturing to the upholstered couch, I waited for Gaige to lie down.
“I’ll walk you through projecting your spirit. If we succeed, you’ll just have to wait a moment while I do the same. Then, we’ll travel to Midnight Jester together.”
“Right.” He adjusted a throw pillow beneath his head before settling his hands on his stomach. “Ready when you are.”
“Close your eyes.” I watched as he obliged, letting out a quiet sigh. “First, I want you to flex your muscles, then let them relax completely. Allow them to melt into the cushions and focus on taking slow, deep breaths.”
His body went rigid, then sagged into the couch. Measured, weighted breaths slipped from his parted lips, and the rise and fall of his chest slowed to a point where it was almost imperceptible. Minutes passed and I simply let him be. Let him soak in the rest he so desperately needed. But if I didn’t interrupt him soon, he was more likely to fall into slumber than project his consciousness.
Pitching my tone low, so as not to disturb his peaceful state, I continued. “I want you to think about your right hand. Picture how it looks, how it feels to control. Think about curling and uncurling your fingers, but don’t physically move them. Let your mind take over.”
He didn’t move, but shadows began to pool beneath him on the floor. They licked at his hand and beckoned his consciousness to grab hold.
“Feel for the shadows. Embrace them, and then allow yourself to detach completely. Don’t be afraid.”
I’d been afraid the first time I’d separated from my body. The shadows had raced over me in a way I’d never experienced before. It was like losing control completely, feeling their icy kiss against my very soul instead of my skin.
A whoosh of shadows rushed over Gaige, and then suddenly he was there, a wispy projection of himself. I hid my amazement—and my worry—behind a stoic face. He’d grasped the notion so quickly. Yes, he’d mentioned doing it accidentally before, but to successfully project himself without a single hiccup… Gaige blinked, then turned his gaze to his unconscious body. A smile tugged at his lips.
“This is amazing.” His frame wavered with his words, and I nodded.
“Don’t move. I’ll only be a moment.”
Crossing the room to the bed, I lay down and closed my eyes. Repeating the same instructions I’d given Gaige in my mind, I welcomed the rake of cold shadows along my consciousness. A moment later, I’d pushed myself out of my physical body and was standing before him.
“Now, traveling.” I rolled my neck from side to side more out of habit than need. There wasn’t much tautness to be felt in my shadow form, just the ever-present sensation of cold. “Picture Midnight Jester in your mind’s eye. Focus on the concrete details of the exterior and will your mind to go there. There’s no way for me to hold on to you and drag you with me. You have to do this on your own.”
A flicker of uncertainty passed through his gaze. “If I get lost?”
“Don’t.” I pressed my lips into a fine line. “You’ll return to your body eventually, but I won’t know where you went and won’t be able to help you.”
“Well, here goes nothing, then.” He closed his eyes again, and an invisible wind gusted through the space between us. One moment his projection was standing beside me, and then next it was gone. Completely wiped from existence.
Clenching my jaw, I took off after him. I pictured myself flying through the keep, across the open lawns and deep into the Kitska Forest before finally reaching the quiet establishment known as Midnight Jester. The black market tavern was the same as always. Shuttered windows closed tight against the winter air. A sturdy door with an iron knob just waiting to be opened. A few dormant shrubs near the cobblestone path. Muffled conversations slipped through the cracks, and I caught wind of a more reserved, authoritative voice than those who typically trafficked at the tavern. Likely the Sentinel Emelia had alluded to.
I took a few steps to the side of the building and froze in my tracks. A small group of soldiers—maybe fifty or so strong—loitered around a handful of campfires, their belongings still unpacked. They hadn’t set up camp just yet, likely waiting to confirm my existence before fully committing to our cause. I scoured every face from a safe distance out of sight, hoping to find some familiarity among those loyal to me. But it’d been so long since I’d been the leader of a Lendrian army, and while some likely were the sons or daughters of people I had fought with, I couldn’t tell at first glance.
Just then, a whirl of shadows announced Gaige’s arrival, and the sliver of worry that had been eating away at my insides disappeared. He’d made it.
“That’s a reassuring sight,” he mused.
“Indeed. There’s a Sentinel inside. Let’s start there.” Turning away from the group, I made my way toward Midnight Jester and floated through the door. There was no sense in pretending to open it when I couldn’t grip the knob, anyway. Gaige did the same, and we came to a halt once inside. A few patrons startled at our appearance, but most who frequented the tavern knew of Cruor and our tendency to walk with the shadows. The circular, rickety tables were near full, thanks in large part to the handful of lucky soldiers who’d managed to bargain their way inside with their captain instead of lingering by a campfire.
“I suppose I have you to thank for this uptick in business.” A gruff voice rose above the din of conversation, and I turned my head toward the bar. Dez, the bartender, leaned against the countertop on his forearms, a damp rag in one hand. There was no malice in his greeting, but I couldn’t overlook the stiffness of his shoulders. The muscles coiled tight in his neck.
“Possibly,” I said, my cool response garnering a rush of whispers from the closest tables. “Though it wasn’t entirely expected on my part.”
Dez tilted his head toward Gaige. Frowned. “Last I remembered, you were alive.”
Gaige lifted a shoulder in feigned nonchalance. “Things change.”
“Things change for Leena, too?” His question was too harsh. Too demanding. I fought back the urge to snap at him. Leena wouldn’t want that.
“She’s still very much alive, but that’s not why we’re here.” I jerked my chin toward the tables. “I’m looking for the Sentinel in charge of these soldiers.”
“What, don’t recognize me without my armor?” a woman drawled, swinging around on her barstool so she could face me instead of Dez. Her brown eyes sparked with a familiar mixture of frustration and fondness—like a parent who couldn’t help but love their rambunctious child, even after a severe scolding. She ran a broad hand through her cropped blond hair. My breath came up short. Madeline. Whispers of wrinkles framed her eyes, but I’d recognize that gaze anywhere.
She’d been one of the three Sentinels assigned to me when I’d turned myself over to Rhyne all those years ago. More than that, she’d been a constant in my life. A nagging presence I’d resented. A stand-in mother on the battlefield and a constant source of reprimand. She’d aged gracefully, thanks to the magic Mavis’s blood had bestowed on all the people of Wilheim. And I couldn’t have been happier that she’d turned up here.
“Madeline.” I closed the distance between us, Gaige on my heels. “You’re alive.”
She raised a brow. “Any reason I shouldn’t be?”
“No, it’s just been years and—”
“I’ll let Death know when I’m ready for him.” She took a long swig from her ale, then pushed her empty mug to Dez. He sauntered away to fill it. “Though I half expected your father to end my life when I came back with the news of your untimely end.”
I flinched. “Sorry about that.”
Her eyes narrowed. “Do you have any idea how long I searched for you? I spent years cursing myself for not following you that night.” She never broke her gaze as she accepted her refilled ale from Dez and took a hefty swig. “I swore that if there was ever even a rumor of your existence, I’d root out the truth. It was my job to protect you, and I failed.”
“You didn’t fail.” The shadows around my form wavered with a gust of wind as someone exited the tavern. “What happened was my fault—no one else’s. Besides, I did die.”
“I see that.” She studied my appearance, and the sternness in her expression faded. “Never thought I’d see you again. But then one night I’m having drinks with my men, and this traveler comes into the tavern whispering about you. About how you’re a powerful, undead assassin who’s been blessed by the gods to retake the throne. Not only that, but you’ve somehow done what no leader has before—allied yourself with Charmers.
“At first, I paid him no mind. It was a ludicrous tale.” She took another long drink before setting her mug down and leaning toward me. “But then I remembered that time the city went on full alert when a dark-haired, black-eyed assassin slipped through our gates. I thought it was strange how Varek reacted.”
I recalled that fateful day when I’d brought Leena, Ozias, and Kost to Wilheim. We’d hoped a beast just beyond the city’s limits could lift Cruor’s Oath, but we’d been led on a fool’s errand by Yazmin herself. “That was me. My appearance had been masked because, at that time, I had no intentions of reclaiming the throne.”
She nodded once. “The king has been on high alert ever since then. Ratifying forces, bolstering our defenses… He’s expecting a war. I figured I owed it to your parents to find out exactly who I was supposed to be fighting.”
“And now?” I asked, my voice no more than a whisper. In my peripheral vision, I saw Gaige stiffen. I hadn’t thought about the possibility of a Sentinel coming here under Varek’s orders to gain insight on my whereabouts. Madeline couldn’t hurt us in this form—and we couldn’t harm her—but she’d be able to take her forces and retreat before I could dream of moving my men here to stop her.
“Now…” She gave me a long look. “I intend to uphold my promise and protect the prince—or in this case, the king—of Wilheim.”
A sudden lightness raced through my fingers, and a slow smile spread across my lips. “That’s good to hear.”
“King, huh?” Dez asked, palms flat against the bar. He’d barely moved since I’d entered his tavern, save to refill Madeline’s drink. Despite this newfound knowledge, he scowled with the same apprehensive look, and I couldn’t help but respect him for that.
Gaige let out a light chuckle. “Surprising turn of events, isn’t it?”
“Doesn’t change how I feel about him in my tavern, that’s for sure.” He shook his head, then sighed. “Speaking of, should I be expecting more soldiers on my lawns? They ain’t exactly great for business.”
Standing, Madeline fished a handful of bits out her coat pocket and thrust them on the counter. “I doubt it. The others don’t believe the rumors and aren’t willing to face treason if they’re caught investigating.”
“Unfortunate, but expected.” I gripped the back of my neck, then nodded toward the door. “I caught a glimpse of your brigade before I entered. My forces are about a two days’ march away. We’ll join you as soon as we can.”
“So there is to be a war?” Her brows crawled to her hairline.
“Yes. I’ll fill you in on the details, but we have several hundred men from Rhyne, the Charmers, and Cruor assassins on our side.” We reached the door and she pushed it open, the aging hinges creaking loudly. Gaige and Madeline exited first, and I paused to glance back at Dez.
Everything good in my life started right here, even if I hadn’t known it at the time. If not for Midnight Jester and Dez, there was a chance Leena and I would never have crossed paths. At one point, this place had been home to her, too. She’d want to protect it at all costs.
“Dez.”
“Yeah?”
“I’ll make sure these soldiers don’t bother you or your patrons.” I gestured to the tavern before slipping my hands into the pockets of my trousers. “And when this is all over, Midnight Jester will continue to run as usual.”
He barked out a laugh. “Are you saying that as the king of Lendria, or as the guild master of Cruor who used to rely on my services?”
I couldn’t help but smile at that. Two parts of my life so very much at odds with one another, and yet I knew in my core I’d always turn a blind eye to this place, so long as nothing too egregious occurred. If not for me, then for Leena.
“Both, I guess. Thanks, Dez. For everything.”
He snorted and averted his gaze, glancing instead at the rafters. “You’ve got nothing to thank me for. I run a tavern. That’s all.”
“Yes, well…” I tipped my chin in a bow just the same. “We’ll be back.”
“Yeah, yeah.” He gave a flippant wave and then turned his back on me. I slipped through the door and joined Gaige and Madeline on the other side. She was curiously eyeing one of Gaige’s errant shadows as he detailed the nature of our existence to her.
“So our corporeal bodies are back in Hireath. When we return with our forces, we’ll be very much in the flesh.”
“I see.” She poked a shadow. “Can you feel that?”
“No, but it is distracting.” He took a step back and then caught my eye. “Ah, Noc. Shall we?”
“Let’s.”
Madeline straightened and wiped all traces of interest from her expression. Stoic and reserved, she transformed into the Sentinel I’d always known and walked with purposeful, lengthy strides toward her troops. The authority she commanded was palpable, and there wasn’t a single person who didn’t stand at attention when she passed. When we reached the nearest campfire, she barked orders to set up camp, and everyone flew into motion.
“I only have fifty or so soldiers, but one of mine counts for five of any other brigade. That I can guarantee.” She folded her arms across her chest and watched as tents went up without hesitation.
“We appreciate the support, no matter—”
A lonely, grating howl erupted from the depths of the Kitska Forest, and several of Madeline’s soldiers flinched. Even I cut a glance to the jagged treetops. Being that Cruor was nestled within this cursed wood, I’d grown used to the errant calls of monsters throughout the years. But this one was hauntingly close. It reminded me of the time Yazmin had used a monster to distract us from an ambush and Gaige had paid the ultimate price. I couldn’t let that happen again. We couldn’t afford to lose any more people before the war even started.
“Are those calls fairly common around here? They’ve got us all on edge.” Madeline flattened her lips as she too scoured the dense wood.
“You have nothing to fear,” Gaige said, voice surprisingly calm. I expected him, out of everyone, to be more concerned about the danger such beasts posed. “They won’t harm you.”
I narrowed my eyes. “How can you be so sure?”
He pulled at the collar of his tunic, despite the fact I knew he couldn’t feel it chafing against his neck. Not in this state. “Because I’ll tell them not to.”
Madeline blinked slowly. “Is that another power of the undead? Controlling monsters?”
“No. Care to explain?” I asked.
“I’ll show you on our way back to Hireath,” he said.
Madeline rubbed her chin as she glanced between us. “Well, I won’t keep you two from that. I have enough proof of your existence, Noc, to take up arms against Varek. We’ll await your return.”
Setting aside my frustration with Gaige, I turned to Madeline. “Thank you. Your support means more than you could ever know. We’ll return quickly, I promise.”
“See you then.” She hoisted the nearest crate full of supplies and joined her soldiers to set up camp. Slowly, I dragged my gaze back to Gaige. He twisted the key about his neck, flashed me a quick look, and then started toward the darkened wood.
“Follow me.”
With that, I took off after him, and we sped through the trees in search of the haunting, bloodcurdling calls we usually avoided at all costs.