The Myatheira Chronicles: Volume Two: Beyond the Veil (16 page)

Aiva paid little attention to the man cleaning the marks on her face, forgetting his presence at her side until he spoke, the glow of his grey eyes revealing his concern. “I can begin stitching once the wound is clean,” he stated. “It has been a long time since I’ve had need of the skill, but I remember how to do it well enough.”

Leyna had begun a fearful pace, no longer attempting to hide her unease. Her hands clasped and unclasped in front of her with every step, maneuvering closer to watch the efforts of the grey-eyed man at Aiva’s side. “And my daughter?” she asked, a sense of urgency in her tone. “Feolan, I can tend to her injuries while you see to Herryk.”

“She will be alright, Leyna. Do not worry. Everything is going to be fine.” Gently, Feolan brought his hand up to motion the Queen toward a chair near the wall. “You need to try and relax.”

It was always strange for Aiva to hear her mother and father when in the private company of their friends. Formal titles were thrown away. Everyone was equal in that room, at that moment. The Queen and Lord Feolan Diah, her Consul from Siscal, had been friends since their time of service in the war against Namorea. Almost seventy years past. He was a levelheaded man. Aiva wondered if he might be the one to speak with in regards to Callum’s treachery. Her mother was too emotional. There would be no getting through to her until Thade and Edric returned. With a little faith, she hoped Shaelyn would be with them.

“Lord Diah,” Aiva started, unsure of how to begin her story. She couldn’t speak of it in front of the others. They would be skeptical.

“Yes, Aiva?”

“May I speak with you a moment?”

Feolan looked confused by her request. He glanced over to Leyna, as if for approval, met by nothing more than a brief nod from her mother’s direction. Rewetting the cloth in his hand he helped Aiva to her feet, keeping her steady as they made their way to a corner of the room. “Is something troubling you, Aiva? You should not be secretive while your mother is in her current state. She will think you are hiding something.”

“Depending on what you say, I will tell her everything I know. I have some questions to ask first.” Aiva drew in a breath, unsure of how to begin. Feolan spent most of his days in Siscal. If anyone knew about the pirate conflict in detail, it would be him. And he was impartial enough to all those involved to give an honest answer. “I need to know about the pirates in Siscal,” she said flatly. “What was Callum’s involvement?”

Feolan blinked in confusion, caught off by Aiva’s question. “Callum’s unit was responsible for bringing several of them into custody. They uncovered a spy among the Siscalian troops. Without Callum and his men, all of our troops might have been killed.”

“Do you know anything about a pirate woman by the name of Ireni?”

“Yes.” Feolan peered quizzically at her. “Her identity is not common knowledge, however. How do you know of her?”

Ignoring Feolan’s questioning gaze, Aiva pushed onward, insistent, anxious to make her discovery known. “One of the Captain’s men was nice enough to inform me of the relationship between her and Callum. His men witnessed the two of them together.”

“That cannot be possible. Whoever told you that must have been misinformed.”

“Lord Diah, the Captain admitted it to me this evening.” Aiva hung her head. “He told me all I needed to hear. That they let their emotions be known. I am sure you can piece together what that means. I think Callum is working with this Ireni and the other pirates.”

Feolan’s mouth hung agape, the confusion in his eyes growing. “That cannot be so, Aiva,” he shook his head. “I was witness to the troops’ return to the shores. Ireni Moura was at the tip of Callum’s blade when she was apprehended by the authorities in Siscal.”

“It could have been a ruse. A plan arranged between them. I heard several of the captive pirates escaped. Maybe it was their intention to feign her captivity so she could get closer to her enemy in Siscal.”

“Aiva, you have quite an imagination. I think you are more clever than the pirates. They would not have the means to plan something so involved. Not to mention that Callum would never betray his own people. He is the most loyal soldier our military has seen since your mother. Far more investigation is required before we start laying blame on him for the unfortunate current events.”

She brought her hands up to cover her face, wincing to feel the tips of her fingers brush over the gash on the side of her head. Callum had them all fooled. If she couldn’t convince a reasonable, impartial man like Feolan, there would be no convincing her mother. Or her father. They would defend him until the very end. “All I am asking is for someone to look into it. Can there not be an investigation? I am certain you will find the proof you require.”

“I will speak with your father on the matter,” Feolan frowned. “Normally an investigation of this sort would be in the hands of General Cadell, but in this case there would be a conflict of interest. Can you tell me who passed this information into your hands?”

Aiva nibbled her lip nervously. She couldn’t tell him. Dacian had asked her to keep it secret in fear of the repercussions he would face if Callum discovered who ruined him. Despite his actions, she had given her word. She couldn’t go back on it. “I cannot,” she replied quietly. “But it should not matter. Callum already gave his confession.”

A loud burst of noise came from the door as her father stepped in, disheveled from the wind, damp from a heavy rain that had begun to fall. Edric was not far behind, his head tilted toward Callum in deep conversation. The Queen was on her feet. In a rush, she ran into her husband’s arms, oblivious to the water from Thade’s doublet soaking into her gown. “Did you find her? Please tell me she is safe!”

“We were unable, however, there is a distinct trail left by her captors,” Thade explained. Aiva stepped forward, intrigued by what her father was saying. The Tanispan soldiers were well-trained in the arts of tracing an enemy, by mundane means and otherwise. If a unit was sent out quickly, they would be able to track the location of Shaelyn without issue.

“Do we know who it is?” Zander asked, rising to his feet, voice firm. “Ven’shal? I will hunt them down myself.”

“We could only be so lucky for it to be our familiar enemy,” Thade sighed. He wrapped his arms around Leyna where she clung tightly to him, weeping into the folds of his dampened shirt. “At least then we would know what to expect. Regrettably, Callum identified the bodies of the two men who attacked Herryk and Aiva to be wearing the emblem of a known group of pirates from Luquarr.”

Leyna gazed up at Thade, hopeful at the possibility of having their destination. “Then we know they will be heading to the ports of Siscal. They will need a ship to get back to Luquarr,”

Aiva wrinkled her nose in distaste to see Callum step forward. She hated that he was the one everyone was counting on. He was the only one there at that moment who had fought the pirates. He’d been around them. Closer than Aiva felt was acceptable. Regardless, he knew the enemy. They had no choice but to hear what he had to say. “A return through Siscal is unlikely,” he stated. Calm. Quiet. “I know the brigand who leads these men. Their ship was one of those taken down before we returned to Tanispa. They have nothing waiting for them in Siscal but a noose. They will travel south through Carpaen and seek a new ship on the southern coastlines, closer to their home.”

“Why would they take such a risk?” Feolan stepped forward. From behind Callum and Edric, General Cadell appeared in the doorway, receiving a brief nod from the Consul before he continued speaking. “The Carpaen ports are well defended by their armada. Not to mention the Mialan trading escorts. They at least stand a chance in Siscal.”

“They will not depart from Carpaen or Siscal. They will pass south through Vaeduec or Palinon and cross the Vai’ld Sea.”

The tension in the room was rising. Mere mention of Vaeduec and Palinon was enough to strike fear into the hearts of anyone who knew of the creatures that dwelled in those countries. Travel through such places was never considered an option when journeying south. It was why Carpaen was such a popular port central. To the southwest of Carpaen, the country of Vaeduec was inhabited by a vicious race known as the Syet. Aiva knew little about them, though what knowledge she had was enough to tell her that setting foot over their border would be suicide. They were territorial. Violently so. Those who saw them rarely lived to tell the tale.

Regardless of the Syet nature, the plains and grasslands of Vaeduec were more desirable for a traveler than that of Palinon to the southeast. Palinon was a death trap from the dangers of the desert alone, without even considering the creatures who lived there. The Feh Noq. Desert dwellers. More primitive than the cultured people. In Vaeduec, the land might not kill an innocent traveler, but the Syet would. In Palinon – even if the Feh Noq let you live – the desert would claim you without mercy.

“Some of the pirates in Luquarr claim to have trade agreements with the Feh Noq which would make passage through their lands easier, yet more difficult for anyone who tried to follow,” Callum cast a glance over to his father, seemingly uncertain. “I have no doubt that this is the route they will take. Not only does it add security, but the coastline of Palinon is the closest port between this landmass and Luquarr. It is convenient for them.”

“How can we be so certain that you are not simply leading our men to their deaths in the desert?” Aiva scoffed, unable to hold back the acidity of her tone, her gaze accusing. Callum’s eyes shifted to her, pained at the sight of her hate-filled stare.

“Callum knows the enemy better than anyone,” Edric stated, coming to Callum’s defense. Aiva wanted to laugh. Oh yes. Callum certainly knew their enemy better than anyone. Somehow she managed to bite her tongue.

Determination could be seen in Thade’s eyes. He wanted to chase down those responsible for kidnapping his daughter. He was an intelligent man. A skilled tactician. Any route they planned would send their men into a battle that might claim the lives of many for the sake of one woman. Dangerous or not, Aiva knew he would go to the ends of Myatheira for his children. “We have little time for discussion then,” he nodded. “Callum, take your men and follow the trail. I regret to say you will have to lessen your numbers if the pirates are foolish enough to pass through the Palinoen desert. A large regiment would make the Feh Noq think we intend to invade, and we cannot risk a war with them over a misunderstanding.”

Edric stepped forward. “If they track the pirates to the southern borders, we must have a ship waiting in Palinon. Land travel may take too long and even if they manage to catch up with the pirates, Callum would have no way to take chase once they embark for Luquarr. I must insist that I be allowed to accompany a naval unit along the western border from Tanispa. The waters there are more peaceful. We can cut through the waters between Mialan and Carpaen, bypassing Vaeduec entirely, and coming to port at the shores of Palinon to meet with Callum there. That would also increase numbers in case fighting has already broken out.”

Thade nodded to Edric in agreement. “General,” he turned to face Cadell, his gaze almost sympathetic for what he was about to say. “You and I will take a second fleet from Siscal through the Nahpoa Sea down to Luquarr. Regardless of whether or not Shaelyn’s captors are intercepted, we will dock in Luquarr and see to it that this nonsense is ended once and for all.”

Cadell showed no sign of faltering at the thought of going to war. He’d been through this before. During Queen Vorsila’s reign, he had witnessed the fates of Thade’s siblings at the hands of the Ven’shal. He was aware of the importance this mission carried if they had any hope of returning Shaelyn to safety. The last thing anyone wanted was to see history repeat itself within the Levadis line. “I agree completely with your plan, Your Majesty, however, I must inquire on one matter,” he stated calmly. “The waters around Mialan are tame enough, but Luquarr and Palinon are separated by far more treacherous water. If the naval unit makes contact with the pirates before Callum’s men reach port, I should be with the ship to direct it through the Vai’ld Sea.”

“It is likely the Namirens will make themselves a nuisance while we pass through their waters. You and I are familiar with their tactics. I need you at my side.”

“I am familiar with the Namirens as well. I should accompany you – ” Leyna’s voice was cut off by a sharp look from Thade. Everyone in the room was silent. They knew it would come to this. Leyna was not the type of woman to sit idly by and let anyone harm her family. The only trouble was that she was the Queen. They couldn’t allow her to leave Tanispa.

Hugging her tightly, Thade kissed the top of her head. He grimaced. Not wanting to deny her; knowing he had no choice. “Leyna, you cannot accompany us.”

“They have my daughter, Thade,” she said angrily. Aiva flinched at the rage in her mother’s voice. She’d never heard her sound that way before. Harsh and unyielding. “If you are going, then I will be with you. I will not allow you to go without me by your side.”

“Darling, I know you are angry and frightened; as am I. But you are the Queen.”

“And you are the King!”

“Yes, and in that regard, I am more expendable than you.” His face fell to hear the words come from his own lips. “Our people will be in an uproar over the loss of their Princess. You are the one they look to for guidance and support. If you leave, I fear what that would do to our country. You need to stay here to make sure Aiva and the twins are safe.”

“But what if you and Edric do not make it back?”

“Then you will still have three children to carry on our family and remember us by. Do not risk putting our children in danger by leaving them without their mother.”

Aiva watched the scene before her in shocked silence. It was all happening so fast. She hated how helpless she felt and she could only imagine how much worse it was for her mother, knowing that she’d been a soldier for so long and now left unable to fight for her own daughter.

In the back of Aiva’s mind she couldn’t help feeling that this was somehow her fault. That Shaelyn would still be safe if she hadn’t insisted on confronting Callum when she did. He’d given the confession she wanted. It would have been easy enough to expose him there in front of everyone without giving him a chance to get his revenge. And to think they were sending him to chase after the pirates! Her entire family was in peril if she didn’t stop Callum before he was allowed to lead them to their deaths.