The Mapkeeper and the Rise of the Wardens (14 page)

The carriage cruised to a halt in front of a tall, deep rocky cavern. Cadmus leapt from the driver’s seat and opened the carriage door, helping Lucy out. Her pale hand shook as she gripped his hand and hopped down into the dirt. Dry leaves crunched underfoot. Her brothers hopped out after her and swung the carriage door shut.

Zadok emerged from the torch-lit depths of the cavern entrance tunnel flanked by two other centaurs. He smiled when he saw them, though his companions’ stern expressions were far less welcoming than their leader’s.

“What
were
those things back there?” Mack asked Cadmus, looking over his shoulders in both directions, his eyes still wide with distress.

“I’m not certain, but I have an idea,” Cadmus replied, his tone foreboding. His face was drawn and pale.

“Friends,” Zadok called, extending his arms, “welcome to Abodox, home of the centaurs. I see you survived your journey through Doldrums Forest unscathed so far.” He smiled.

“Not quite, my friend,” Cadmus replied. “We were attacked not far back along the path. Our six armed guards and their horses were killed.”

Zadok’s expression fell and his demeanor changed. His companions assumed a tense, defensive posture wielding their spears and squinting as they scanned the forest.

“Come inside,” Zadok urged, beckoning them toward the cavern. He scanned the forest with his clear blue eyes as his guests hurried past him into the tunnel. The centaurs were tall and strong, with sleek, muscled haunches. Lucy noted that her height was in line with Zadok’s abdomen as she passed him. She felt safer among these strong creatures.

The long entrance tunnel leading to Abodox was cold and damp, lit by flickering torches mounted to the moist rock walls. They came upon a thick iron gate blocking off the rest of the cave, which expanded in height and width as it deepened. One of Zadok’s companions performed a series of twists and jabs on an intricate forged iron lock and the latch released with a moan.

Zadok held the gate open for the others and passed through last, locking the gate behind him.

“Welcome to Abodox,” Zadok announced, “the home of the centaurs.”

The tunnel opened onto a rock ledge overlooking a vast cavern descending into blackness far below. Sporadic flickering torches dotted the stone walls along a carved footpath that spiraled along the walls into the depths of the cavern. Dim lighting revealed dozens of chambers hewn from the rock along the pathway. The quiet hum of overlapping conversations echoed off the stone walls, softening the cold gloom of the place.

“Come, we will sit in my chamber and talk,” Zadok motioned, leading the way down the gentle sloping path to the first compartment, where he gestured them inside.

It was spacious, with enough torches and candles to provide a warm glow of light. Zadok pulled string hammock seats off a high shelf and attached them to ceiling-mounted hooks. Cadmus, Lucy, Mack, and Luke each sank into one of the hanging woven pods. Luke and Mack grinned at one another, delighted by the amusing contraptions.

Zadok settled on one of six long, thick silk cushions designed for equestrian comfort.

“Thank you for your hospitality,” Cadmus said, running a hand through his hair.

“It is my pleasure.” Zadok was polite as ever though his expression remained rigid. “Please tell me everything you saw back on the trail.”

Cadmus hesitated, glancing at Lucy as though unsure whether he should disclose his suspicion.

Lucy took the opportunity to speak up. “Our carriage came to a sudden stop, and Cadmus got out and took the reins,” she replied. “When we passed, we saw our guards decapitated and their horses dead beside them.”

“Cadmus, when you were outside the carriage, did you see…” Zadok trailed off, his eyes wide with concern.

“I’m not sure what I saw, but I think it was several figures robed in black,” Cadmus answered. “Most of them were on the outskirts of the scene by the time I got out, and I was in a hurry. The air was icy cold—
too
cold. I knew we had to get out of there, and
fast
. As I hopped up into the driver seat and grabbed the reins, I saw one of them. It was still bent over one of the guards…” He looked away and rubbed his forehead with one hand, distraught. Lucy hated to see him so upset.

“Please go on,” Zadok encouraged. “It is essential that you tell me everything.”

“It—whatever it was—was… was w-wiping his blood off a blade,” he stammered. “It looked up at me as we drove by, and I couldn’t see eyes or a face. Just blackness inside the hood. It was awful,” he finished, running a hand through his hair as if to wipe the memory from his mind.

Zadok’s frown deepened. He rubbed his chin, deep in thought. “How many of these creatures did you see, Cadmus?”

“At least four.”

“I saw a few of them, too,” Lucy added. “Just for an instant in the distance, half-covered by the mist.”

“I fear the worst,” Zadok confided, his brow furrowed in concern.

“I know.” Cadmus shook his head. “I do too.”

“What?” Mack asked.

“That the Wardens have returned,” Zadok muttered with a grimace. Noting the puzzled looks on the Barnes siblings’ faces, he explained. “The Wardens are the authors of a dark magic. They created the map long ago with good intentions, so the map itself is not tainted. The ancient Wardens’ intention was for an outsider—someone pure of heart—to restore the natural order to Praxis in times of conflict and when dark forces stirred.” Cadmus nodded as the centaur explained the history of the map.

“But over time, their ancestors became jealous of the Mapkeeper. They wanted that power for themselves, so they began to work against the Mapkeeper. They isolated themselves from all other creatures in Praxis and for hundreds of years, no one saw or heard from the Wardens.”

“Until the fifteenth Mapkeeper,” Lucy predicted.

“Correct. They were growing their powers and developing a dark plan. They craved the destruction of our way of life, and the awakening of the three beasts almost brought them success.” The wall-mounted candles flickered, shadows dancing across the chamber. “In a twist of ironic justice, the map—the original Warden creation—was the downfall of their plan.”

“And now you fear they are back again? And possibly the cause of all the disasters that have been happening?” Luke deduced, running a hand through his hair in thought.

“Right.” Cadmus nodded. “I’ve been mulling the possibility over in my mind for a few weeks now. I just didn’t think it was possible! The Wardens were rounded up and killed after the fifteenth Mapkeeper sacrificed himself to defeat the three beasts. It is said that they made sure there was not a single Warden left to continue their dark work.”

“Wardens or not, those things were
not
human,” Lucy remarked, a chill running down her spine at the memory of the hooded figures. “Wait—Cadmus, those two people we saw in the shadows at Alewife Inn—you don’t think they were…”

He sighed and nodded, his cornflower blue eyes appearing a darker shade of sapphire in the candle light. “It’s possible. I’d never seen them before, and we never got a good view of their faces. I’ll have to go back and talk to Marla to see if she got their names or saw their faces.”

“What happens if the creatures in the woods are Wardens?” Mack asked.

“I don’t know, but we’ve got to hold out hope that they’re not. The Wardens’ brand of magic is very powerful. It would be difficult to overcome. As the king’s alchemist, Rhys has developed a few quality potions to counter dark magic, but the ultimate burden would fall on you, Lucy. Only the map is powerful enough to defeat them.”

Lucy swallowed, placing a hand over the outline the map formed in the pocket of her riding pants. She was beginning to like the Praxian clothing she’d been provided. Her tan riding pants, brown shin-high boots, and breezy elbow-length blue shirt were comfortable and practical. To her disappointment, the map was not warm. She clenched her teeth.

“All of the clans will have to band together,” Cadmus mused, rubbing his chin.

“You know the centaurs will be on board.” Zadok gave a curt nod.

“I never doubted you, my friend,” Cadmus replied with sincerity. “It’s the other clans I’m worried about—the elves and Bellaux will be wary, and the goblins will be difficult. Of course the trolls will not cooperate, and Bade will no doubt find a way to manipulate his relationship with Digby to his advantage.”

Zadok sighed. “We must do our best to form a united front and hope that the others will follow. My greatest fear is that it may take a catastrophe for some clans to come to their senses and join us… but by then it may be too late.” His blue eyes were clouded with worry.

“I’ll need to train,” Lucy added, “but I will make the map work for me. I’ll also need to work on a few practical skills if I’m to be of any use—riding, swordsmanship, and archery.”

“We will train too,” Mack added. “I’m a decent rider, and Luke is pretty smart. I’m sure we can help the cause somehow.”

“Great.” Cadmus nodded. “We’re going to need all the allies we can muster.”

“I’ll hold a meeting with my top advisers tonight and lay the groundwork for our united front against the Wardens.” Zadok crossed his arms. “Until proven otherwise, we must assume the Wardens are back. Waiting for them to surprise us is too risky.” Cadmus nodded in agreement.

“As you know,” Zadok continued, “most of my centaurs don’t hold humans in the highest regard, but I will ensure their priorities are set straight. You’d better get going. It’s getting late, and you can’t be out in the forest after dark. I’ll send four armed escorts to provide you safe passage to the forest limits.”

“Thank you, Zadok.” Cadmus pulled himself out of his hanging chair to shake the centaur’s hand. “You are a true friend.”

“The feeling is mutual.” Zadok smiled, returning the firm handshake and clapping Cadmus on the shoulder. “Ms. Barnes, gentlemen, it was a pleasure to see you. I hope we meet again soon.”

“Thank you, Zadok.” Lucy stood and shook his hand. As she did so, one of the two centaurs who had accompanied Zadok to greet them outside Abodox earlier galloped at top speed into the chamber.

“Zadok,” he gasped, breathless. “You’ve got to come right away! It’s Odessa, the Bellaux. She just arrived at the gate in the tunnel. She’s injured. It seems the kobolds guided her here—she’s in a very bad state. Blood everywhere.”

Zadok leapt up. “Excuse me, I must go. Axel, send four armed guards with our guests to the forest’s edge.”

“Yes, sir,” Axel replied.

“Is there anything we can do to help?” Mack asked, fists balled in frustration as Zadok thundered out of the room.

“It’s best we get moving.” Cadmus put a hand on Mack’s shoulder. “The sun will be setting soon, and we can’t be out in the forest after dark.”

“He’s right.” Axel’s tone was stern. “We leave right away, or not at all.”

In the castle library that night, Lucy spread the map out on a table and stared at it. She hoped something new would stand out… some obvious detail she’d overlooked all along. She couldn’t rid her mind of horrible images from the bloody scene in Doldrums Forest that morning. The headless guard, dead horses, cloaked figures in the shadows, and Odessa’s bloody, unconscious body in the cavern tunnel haunted her. She shook her head, desperate to rid herself of the terrors.

A sudden hand on her shoulder made her start.

“Ahh!” She leapt out of her chair, wheeling about. “Oh Cadmus, you scared the living daylights out of me!” She gasped, holding a hand over her drumming heart.

“I’m sorry.” He smiled, amused. “I didn’t mean to sneak up on you. I just wanted to check in and see how you’re doing. Any luck with the map?”

“Not at all.” She sat back down, flustered. “I just can’t seem to figure out what I’m missing.”

“Have you thought much about the Council of Clans when you made the castle shake by jabbing the map?” He slid into the chair across the table from her.

“Do you really think I caused that?”

“I do.” He held her gaze. “Lucy, I’ve done a lot of research on past Mapkeepers, and I’ve been watching you since you arrived in Praxis to try to help you. I think when you become passionate about something, the map reacts to your emotion.”

Absorbing his theory, she nodded. It seemed to make sense.

“Think about it—Bade tried to humiliate and belittle you, but you believed you were worth more than that. You defended yourself in front of an intimidating group of leaders without thinking twice. That was something you had strong feelings about. You were passionate!” His bright blue eyes were lighter than usual, reflecting the sunlight that filtered in through the massive library windows. She couldn’t hold his gaze—it was too intense. She worried that her heart might leap out of her chest with joy at his strong presence and belief in her.

Sudden color flooded the map in a swirling vortex. Vigorous life and motion animated the images on the paper. Tiny townspeople buzzed about in the village, mermaids skimmed the surface of Glacial Lake, and wild horses stampeded across the plain outside town where the Barnes siblings had first crash-landed in Praxis. Two trolls clubbed at one another in a brawl in the Dour Mountains, a rabble of rocks clattering down the mountain. Lucy was captivated by the animated, vibrant colors saturating the map, her eyes darting from scene to scene.

When she looked up, Cadmus was still staring at her. She blushed, realizing what the sudden animation of the map implied. Embarrassed, she pushed back her chair and stood on impulse.

“Hey,” he said, coming around the table to her. He took her by the shoulders. “It’s okay, you don’t have to be ashamed… I feel it, too.” He met her gaze, his handsome smile making her weak in the knees. He leaned in and closed his eyes, his soft lips brushing hers. She melted into him, her arms holding on to the firm muscles of his upper back. He moved his hands up to her head, weaving his fingers through her hair and kissing her faster. For a moment, her whole world consisted of his soft, smooth lips and fervent kiss.

“Ahem…”

They jerked apart, glancing in the direction of the voice. Milo smiled from across the room. “Pardon the interruption, Ms. Barnes, but the queen requests your company in the king’s chamber.” The butler’s eyes twinkled.

“Oh, of course, no problem at all,” Lucy stammered, pulling away from Cadmus and attempting to smooth her ruffled hair. Her face was hot. She knew it was as red as a chokeberry. She snatched the map off the table, mortified.

“See you later,” she mumbled to Cadmus as she hurried across the room, unable to make eye contact with Milo. She glanced up at him as she passed and saw him wink at Cadmus. Her cheeks burned.

҉

Two armed palace guards waited for Lucy outside the library. They escorted her past a half-dozen more on their way up to the king’s chamber on the fifth floor.

“Your majesty.” Lucy bowed as she entered.

Queen Oleksandra glanced up from her chair next to the king’s bed. Her cheeks were hollow, her eyes dull and sunken. “Hello, Lucy, please do come in.”

“You look unwell, your majesty. Have you slept much in the past few days?”

“Oh, I’m fine, but thank you, dear. I just can’t bear to leave my husband’s side. He’ll awaken soon enough, and I want to be by his side when he does.” Dark circles beneath her eyes belied her. “I’m sure you are worried about Odessa after what happened in the forest. I received word that she is recovering under the protection of the centaurs. She can’t remember what attacked her, only that it was sudden and unexpected.”

Lucy cringed. “What was she doing in Doldrums Forest? I thought Bellaux rarely left the Tree of Virtue.”

“That’s what everyone wants to know. She claims she can’t remember.” The queen’s brow furrowed. “But tell me, Lucy, how are you doing?”

“I’m fine, just a little frustrated with trying to figure out the map, that’s all,” Lucy confided.

“Understandable.” The queen smiled. “Keep your head up, dear. I believe in you.” Her eyes reflected her sincerity. “And I want to encourage you to go out amongst the villagers and get to know them. Their support will be crucial to your success. They are good people and will rally behind you. Tomorrow is the Blossom Jubilee, an annual celebration marking the blooming of thousands of tulips in the fields outside town. There will be music, dancing, and Central Square will be stunning, dressed for the occasion.”

“I appreciate your kind words, your majesty. I will plan on going to town for the festival and mingling with the people.”

“Under armed guard, of course,” the queen insisted.

Lucy smiled. “Yes, your majesty.”

“You saw what happened to the king,” she murmured, stroking his forehead. “Goodness knows none of us are safe these days… least of all you, my dear.” She appeared to age before Lucy’s eyes, the yoke of responsibility heavy upon her shoulders.

“I promise I’ll be careful, your majesty.”

“Thank you, Lucy. Now go and get some rest. We all need rest…” she turned back to her husband and stroked his red hair. Lucy bowed and backed out of the room, which she realized was stuffy and dark upon reentering the hallway.

Her guards were waiting just outside the room, patient as ever, and followed her all the way to her bed chamber.

“Is it really necessary for you to accompany me everywhere I go inside the castle?” Lucy asked over her shoulder.

“Queen’s orders, miss,” one of the guards chirped. “We’re happy to oblige. After all, there could be a traitor among us. Now’s not the time for takin’ chances, miss.” They posted up, one on either side of the door to her chamber. Lucy smiled but shook her head, unaccustomed to being fussed over. She unlocked her door using a lever lock key, then slipped the key back into her pocket, entered her chamber and latched the door behind her.

Letting out a deep sigh, she jumped up onto her high, soft bed, alone at last. She gazed out the window and saw Mack and Luke practicing their riding skills with Pip outside the stable. Pip and Quinn had promised to teach them beginner swordsmanship, too. Lucy was eager to join them but knew she had to focus on the map first.

Sir Wigginsworth hopped onto the bed and rubbed his soft body against her shoulder, his tail brushing across her face.

“Well hello, Sir Wigginsworth. How have you been? Has Olivia been taking care of you?” She stroked the cat, eliciting a soft purr. Sir Wigginsworth looked at her, cocked his head, then pranced to the edge of the bed and leapt off. He scurried to the bathroom door and began to scratch it, meowing in agitation.

“What’s wrong, Sir Wigginsworth? Do you want to go in the bathroom?” She got up and opened the door. Sir Wigginsworth ran inside the moment it was wide enough to allow him through. Lucy grinned, amused by his urgency.

“Why are you so antsy to get in—” She froze mid-sentence as she peered into the bathroom. A bloodied uniform jacket she recognized as belonging to one of the guards who’d been killed in the forest hung from a vanity light atop the main mirror. A bronze pocket watch on a long chain hung from the adjacent vanity light, a lock of hair tied to its face with a piece of twine.

Across the mirror, in messy script, the message
“Everything is not as it seems. The dungeon holds the answers you seek”
was scrawled in—blood? Lucy did not dare step closer to investigate. Her heart seized up as if constricted by a tight cord, her pulse rattling her whole body and thumping in her ear canals.

Transfixed by the horrific scene, she couldn’t stop herself from reaching up to the back of her head and patting her hair, feeling the length of the strands. Her eyes were glued to the lock of hair tied to the pocket watch. It was brown and wavy. Her breath caught in her throat when she found what she was feeling for. A chunk of hair was snipped short at the back of her head.