Chris Evans - The Light of Burning Shadows

Konowa groaned. “They always do. I’m also sure they informed you of my feelings about discussing the affairs of the Empire in general.”

“Indeed,” the Suljak said, his voice light with laughter, “but it is actually not the Empire I wish to speak to you about, but rather what comes next.”

Konowa gave a quick snort. “Despite what you’ve heard, I don’t think Calahr plans on going anywhere.”

Suljak Faydarr patted Konowa’s arm again. “I’m sure it doesn’t, but despite the Prince’s utmost faith in himself and your regiment, the wind of change he so boldly claims to harness is even now being hitched to other wagons.”

Konowa suddenly wished for another drink, no matter how foul. If he was going to have a headache, he’d rather it was from a hangover. “With all due respect, Your Grace, I have had my fill of riddles. You spoke with the three…women, so please, if you have something to tell me, just say it.”

The Suljak nodded. “I knew from the moment I saw you that you were an honest elf. Perhaps too honest for your own good, but I can see that Her Majesty’s faith in you is entirely justified.”

Konowa couldn’t keep his voice from rising. “You’ve spoken with the Queen?”

“Not directly, no, but through…intermediaries. She is an astute women. Her thirst for knowledge is insatiable.”

“Like her son’s,” Konowa said, looking over his shoulder and relaxing. There was no sign of the Prince.

The Suljak gave Konowa a sad smile. “No, not really. The Prince seeks knowledge-is quite fascinated by it-and dreams that the simple act of accumulating it will stimulate change. Her Majesty is more practical. Her accumulation of knowledge is always in service of an end.”

“And what is that end?”

“The peaceful dissolution of the Empire,” the Suljak said.

Konowa almost smiled, then realized the Suljak was serious. “She said this?”

“She is not stupid-far from it. This world is in flux, Major, the return of the Stars only exacerbates what lies underneath all these years. Tell me, are the elves of the Long Watch happy with Calahrian rule? Are the dwarves, the elfkynan, and all the other peoples? The Stars’ returning gives focus to something that already existed.”

“You’re talking about rebellion,” Konowa said. “Hundreds upon hundreds of elfkynan died when that Star fell. They died believing a lie. And the Empire still rules their land.”

“True, but thousands upon thousands did not perish. Elfkyna has already begun to change. The Red Star returned, and now it, not the Empire, is seen as the true guardian and ruler of Elfkyna. That one, simple notion is more powerful than a thousand cannons. The Star seed you planted there has given rise to much more than a magical tree. It has given birth to the idea of freedom.”

Konowa paced a few steps, looking about the garden and feeling as if he was back in the Elfkynan wilderness. It wasn’t a pleasant feeling. “Even if you’re right, and the next Star-the Jewel of the Desert-returns here to the desert, then what? There are still grave dangers out there only the Empire can truly oppose…or do you think the Shadow Monarch will not venture so far south?”

“I have every confidence that She will. In this regard She is less astute than Her Majesty. The Queen knows the days of empires and one rule are coming to an end. The Shadow Monarch does not.”

Konowa shook his head. “I’ve seen what the Shadow Monarch is capable of. If She gains a foothold in your desert, it will take the Empire to dig Her out again.”

“How fortunate you are here then,” the Suljak said. There was no trace of sarcasm in his voice. “Alas, the Shadow Monarch’s coming to these lands is thousands of years too late. A deadly power already exists here that threatens all.”

“You mean Kaman Rhal?” Konowa asked, walking back to stand close to the Suljak. He debated mentioning what had happened on the island, but decided against it. “I know the story, at least some of it. Are you saying he has returned?”

“I don’t know. There are stirrings in the desert. Rumors abound. It is a fact that his body and that of his reported wife, the she-drake, were never recovered, but buried along with his library and the city of Urjalla. How much is real and how much is superstition I cannot say, but enough darkness has risen as of late to suggest that what was once thought impossible is now only improbable.”

“My fight is against the Shadow Monarch…and all enemies of the Empire,” Konowa added. “If Kaman Rhal or any remnant of his power attempts to interfere with us, it will be dealt with. More ships are coming. The Prince is keen to find Kaman Rhal’s resting place.”

“I hope he does,” the Suljak said.

“Really? You aren’t concerned with the Empire looting the accumulated knowledge and treasure of your people?”

“I harbor many concerns. I am concerned about the return of Kaman Rhal and the encroachment of the Shadow Monarch, but these worries pale in comparison to my greatest concern.”

“And what is that?”

“You.”

“Me?”

The Suljak nodded. “Earlier, you mentioned you slept well. Alas, I do not. My dreams have been haunted lately. Do you know what I see in them? You, Major. You with the Jewel of the Desert in your hands, just as you held the fate of the Red Star in Elfkyna. You gave up that power once in order to preserve the lands of the elfkynans. A very selfless act, Major. Tell me, could you do so again?”

“My duty is to defend the Empire, and that is what I intend to do.”

The Suljak bowed his head for a moment, then raised it and looked straight at Konowa. There was no longer any mirth in the Suljak’s eyes.

“And my duty is to defend my people and their land. I will do so, no matter what the cost.”

Konowa understood. “My quarrel is not with you, Faydarr. I’m here for my elves. Once I have them, I have my own enemy to defeat, and She isn’t you.”

For a long moment, neither one spoke. The water in the fountain gurgled and splashed as the excess sloshed over the sides and ran down the stone and onto the cobbles. What a waste, Konowa thought, all this water for a fountain in a land as dry as bone. As the water seeped between the cracks, an image of spilled blood came unbidden to him. The fountain was like the Empire. All those dead, and for what? If the Empire really was breaking up, what had it all been for? Konowa looked at the Suljak. “The Queen isn’t the only one who plays a deep game around here.”

The Suljak of the Hasshugeb winked at Konowa and patted his arm. “I’m sure I don’t know what you’re talking about.” He let go and turned to leave. “Oh, if a person were looking for a quiet way to leave the festivities, he might want to take a walk around behind the fountain. He’d find a path that leads him to a side gate and back to the main grounds without having to walk through the courtyard.”

Back at the party, the guests were momentarily startled by a loud whoop from somewhere off the main courtyard. Conversation quickly resumed, as there was clearly no need for alarm; the shout had been one of pure joy.

H aving marshaled enough of his courage to make it up the stairs of the Blue Scorpion, Alwyn pushed aside a silk curtain and stepped into a room unlike any he had ever been in before, or smelled before. He had no idea what scents were floating on the air, but everything was soft and inviting. He blinked and looked around. There was nothing remarkable about the furniture, just more pillows, but it was who was sitting on the pillows that put a wobble in his one remaining knee.

Women. As in several. As in more than Alwyn had ever seen in one place at one time. He wasn’t sure how many, however, because he’d closed his eyes almost as soon as he realized they were wearing sheer robes. You could see their bodies underneath, and they weren’t wearing anything at all! The first time he heard the mewling cry of a rakke hadn’t terrified him as much as this.