Breaking Stars (Book 2) (11 page)

“He will not speak unless I will it,” Nolen replied for him. He must have pointed, for he said, “Look at his wrist; that is no pretty bracelet. Mage, pull your collar down.” Gabriel obeyed. “Do you recognize them, father?”

The room grew very still. “Bleeding stars above,” Tabor whispered. “You did not.”

“Pause before you judge me.”

“A Castrofax, Nolen. Not even
I
would use such on my enemies.”

“Which is why I have succeeded where you failed,” Nolen snapped. “Before you sits the only Class Ten born of this Age, a controller of
four
Elements. Meet the man who will break the wards around this place to free you.”

‘That’s new.’

As proud as Tabor appeared, his voice spoke of disappointment. “How did you come by this? How did this happen?” Tabor opened his mouth to ask more, but a figure stepped into the room.

“
Nolen
?” a soft voice asked. The smug look on Nolen’s face fell and rose to a bright smile as he stood to his feet.

“Kindle,” he replied and ate up the distance between them as the dark figure rushed forward, embracing each other. Gabriel glanced at them as Nolen’s back was turned. The woman was smaller than Nolen though taller than Robyn and just as slender. The dark gray dress she wore fit her loosely around the hips, and the arms wrapped around Nolen’s waist were far too slender.

She pulled back for Gabriel to see her face, gaunt and pale, though pretty with the Novacula eyes and black curls of her mother. Her smile was radiant as she looked up at him. If Gabriel had not known the story, he would have guessed her to be the younger sister by far, not his twin.

“How did you find us?” she asked breathlessly, her voice gentle though weak. “I had hoped every day to see you riding up, but after three years I gave up hope.”

“I did not realize you were in danger until a year passed. Mother said you were training in Jaden, but I could not find you there. No one seemed to know but mother, and she would not budge. I have not stopped searching since.” Nolen’s tone had changed into a much softer, lighter voice that bordered gleeful. Gabriel glared at the back of his head for some time wondering what parts of the story he did not know.

“I was sent here for my own safety,” Kindle replied with a voice full of malice. “I never would have come if I knew I was to be kept her indefinitely.”

“Why did you not stay at Jaden?”

“Too many eyes, too many questions, and I was never good at keeping secrets.”

Tabor leaned forward to Mikelle and glanced at Gabriel. “Are you his wife?”

Mikelle grinned. “I am his handler. I keep him in line, give him solid thrashings when he misbehaves, and a good beating every night.”

Gabriel slowly turned and looked at her with a pinched glare.

“Who did you bring with you?” Kindle asked behind him. “And why now? How did you find me?”

“Not without great difficulty. I had to make many a bargain to get here.”

‘And kill many a good man.’

Kindle stepped into Gabriel’s view of the fire, so he moved his head, letting the warmth bathe his face. “Who are you?” she asked softly. This close to her, he could feel something wrong inside her, and if he felt it, Nolen should have if he knew what he was looking for.

“Look at her,” Nolen snapped.

Gabriel raised his eyes. Thankfully, Kindle had not received her mother’s heavy nose bridge though the lips were the same.

“You have a touch of the ocean in you,” she whispered as she gazed down at him. “Any friend of Nolen’s is mine as well. I am pleased to have you here.”

“It…is my honor to be here, Princess,” he replied, pausing to give Nolen time to object.

“If you like him, he can be yours,” Nolen interjected.

“Mine?” she asked, confused. “Anatolians do not deal in slavery, brother.”

“They do when your brother has enough power,” Mikelle piqued up. “I am Mikelle of Arconia, where we also do not have slaves.”

“Pleased to meet you. Nolen, explain this.”

‘Show her yourself,’
Gabriel thought, a flash of revolt rising in him. Something inside him still wanted to fight the Prince even when his logic knew it was hopeless.
‘See who your brother truly is, little Princess.’
He met Nolen’s eyes with a glare.

Nolen wasted no time. The hand that struck him was the same that wore the Castrofax control piece, and Gabriel felt his lip break across the curve. Kindle gasped loudly and to Gabriel’s surprise, she put both hands on his head and pulled his face into her stomach in a swift motion.

“Nolen, do not!” she said, aghast. She raised Gabriel’s face and put a thumb over his bottom lip to stem the bleeding. “Why?” she asked him. Gabriel closed his eyes, his way of saying he would not speak further.

She must have turned to stare Nolen down, for the room fell quiet again. “Sweet brother, explain yourself.”

Nolen took his time before speaking. “The man is my prisoner. I woke Arch Mage Ryker Slade and captured this man in a battle that killed most of the Air Guard. I obtained his power, and in turn, I bought Mage Ryker’s loyalty. I did it all so I could find you. That is the whole truth, so do not hate me for it.”

“Bleeding stars above,” Tabor spurted and stood.

“Your prisoner,” Kindle whispered. “Very well.” She released Gabriel’s face. “I will have you for my own. I free you.”

“It is not so simple,” Nolen began, but Gabriel was too focused on the Princess to pay any attention to the conversation. Her pale skin and thin weight were more than a result of staying indoors. “What are you looking at?” Nolen snapped, raising his hand once more.

Gabriel could not will himself to block the hit, so he closed his eyes and turned into it, but Nolen had only been bluffing. “Well?” he snapped.

“Nothing, my lord.”

Tabor leaned forward to look at Gabriel. “Are you going to show us what he is capable of?”

Kindle perked up a little but her eye sockets remained dark. “How are you skilled? Can you sing and dance?”

“No, Princess.”

“He lies, he’s a terrific dancer,” Mikelle chimed in.

Nolen took the opportunity to show the true magnitude of Gabriel’s imprisonment, drawing white strings of Spirit from his chest.

“What is this now?” Kindle asked. She looked surprised and delighted for a moment, but her eyes fell to Gabriel’s neck and wrists, and her expression darkened. She opened her mouth to retort when Nolen drew Water, then Earth, and lastly Fire, all with a triumphant air that said ‘
look what I can do
.’

“You put a Mage in a Castrofax—for my sake?” she breathed.

“For many reasons,” he replied.

“You cannot saddle me with this guilt. You should have found another way.”

Nolen stiffened. “There was no other way! This Class Ten was the only possibility.”

“A Class
Ten
? You put a Class Ten in a Castrofax? You woke an Arch Mage?” Her lip trembled. “Wait…why are you truly here?”

“For you. To find you and return you home.” Nolen replied. “After you find me the Silex.”

Chapter 10

‘Not all is lost. Not all is lost,’
Aisling reminded herself repeatedly as she journeyed. It remained in her mind as she dismounted in the courtyard of Kilkiny Palace. She had been stopped at the gates by four soldiers who demanded her surrender, but Head Mage Casimir dismissed them with a flick of his mighty hand. He had not left her side since then, but the inhabitants of Kilkiny had bigger problems with the better part of 200 Mages in the courtyard.

Pages and footmen scurried around the horses and carriages, unloading chests and bags as the Mages dismounted. Despite the soldiers that ringed the Mages to watch her carefully, she was still in charge when the Queen was not present and started giving orders.

“Place the Mages in the eastern wing. I want pages outside each Spirit Mage’s room, plants in the Earth Mages’, light the hearths for Fire, and set vases of water out for Water Mages. Put the Council in their chambers, and the Head Mage in his rooms. Turn down Princess Robyn’s old room.” She paused and searched for better help as the servants jumped to obey. “These horses have traveled far, and I want each rubbed down and fed hot oats. The carriages can afford to be polished.”

The energy changed slightly as Cordis stepped out of a carriage, clad in all black that fit his handsome figure like a glove. She spotted several soldiers step forward to seize him.
‘So they want him as well.’
Cordis did not notice, or ignored them if he did. Secondhand Lael gave Aisling’s love a nod as he stepped up and extended a hand into the carriage.

Robyn stepped out in full raiment that fitted a Princess with a long golden dress of suede that bore a tall collar and tight waist. It was found among Councilwoman Adelaide’s things. Adelaide’s handmaid had washed her hair free of any remaining brown and braided it up with pearls. Around her shoulders was a long red cloak trimmed in sable that Lael gave her. She draped it over her left arm to hide the stump she was so ashamed of, and in truth Aisling was ashamed as well. She knew she could have done nothing to help, but she knew the little Princess would forever be marred and reminded of her loss—not only of her hand but of her love. Gabriel was nowhere to be seen.

Robyn held her head high as she dismounted the carriage and ever so slowly the energies around them changed. People gathered in the windows and doorways to watch the procession, They knew something was different about the girl in gold stepping out of the Head Mage’s white carriage led by the Secondhand of Jaden.

Aisling snagged a page. “Have the Map Solar readied for conference, and bring a fine mulled red and black tea.”

“M’Lady Mage,” he said and bowed before rushing off.

She scanned the crowd again for her son’s eyes. The boy looked so much like his father when he was younger, but he was softer around the edges where Cordis was sharp in the jaw and brow. Gabriel had even been gifted with the long Lamay legs and pale skin, but it was the dark hair and deep blue eyes of his father that made him truly striking, even from a distance. Again, he was nowhere to be seen. He would come running when word reached him of Robyn’s appearance.

Secondhand Lael kept hold of Robyn’s good hand and escorted her towards the great doors of Kilkiny; sturdy oak overlaid with teak that was oiled to make it glow. Aisling followed close behind, scorning a soldier who looked emboldened enough to make a grab for her. Councilman Galloway took up her left and Adelaide, Markus, Lewis and Penny followed. Councilman Dagan was the only one to remain behind in Castle Jaden in the Secondhand’s stead to act as Castellan. Cordis was close to follow behind. A flagon of water and a flowering dandelion hid in his pockets to bestow their energy if he felt threatened.

“Sweet skyward stars that is Princess Robyn Bolt!” someone said loudly enough for a troupe of highborns in a balcony to hear. The courtyard filled with chatter as word spread faster than fire. “She has been with the Mages all along!”

‘Let them think that,’
Aisling thought, her face a mask of void.
‘It will only strengthen our position in court and their rumors.’

“The broken star was heralding her arrival!” a woman exclaimed, followed by exaggerated agreement and excited chattering.

“I thought the highenborn would be less droll,” Adelaide quipped in her familiar Aidenmarian lexicon.

“Intelligence is best judged from a lofty position—only t’ find all positions are as level as the last,” Galloway replied.

“Droll, Galloway, you are
terribly
droll
,” Adelaide snipped. Of all the Council, those two always seemed to be at odds. They were fast friends though both would deny it. In Council meetings they always agreed, Galloway seemingly allying with whatever Adelaide said.

Aisling left them to take the lead as the Head Mage joined her. Positions in procession spoke volumes, so for her to lead said she was in charge. The Head Mage behind her was in control of the entire procession, and she acted on his behalf. Anyone with the most basic understanding of society would know something very dire or splendid was about to happen.

Aisling looked for a familiar face among the halls as she led the way to the Map Solar. She spotted a girl she often sent messages with. “Roslyn, please request the Queen’s presence to the Map Solar. Inform her Head Mage Casimir awaits her.”

“As you please m’Lady,” she curtsied and scurried off.

The Map Solar was a large round room with a cutaway circle in the ceiling to illuminate the space. Embossed in the floor was a massive bronze map of the world as they knew it; detailing the high north and its fiords beyond Anatolian control, the far east into Shalaban with Desuldane and Bodelane above them and Arconia in the middle, but the map ended along the Greynadaltynes. Kingdom borders were painted in vibrant colors that could be moved at ease. Each capital was set into a thick red wax marked with its proper symbols. The map was only five hundred years old, but already it was polished around the most used areas in Anatoly. Unfortunately, if any lands lay beyond the Gray Mountains, the map maker had not known them. No one did.

Along the walls, between the tall windows, were more detailed canvases of each kingdom. Seats of plush red velvet sat around the map, and the Council slowly took their seats, surveying the room and ensuring the map of their birth kingdom was correct. Adelaide lingered at the Aidenmarian map while Galloway stared at Parion for a while. Without Queen Challis, they lacked their liaison to Cinibar, and the Council bore no Arconian.

The chairs were identical and meant for the Generals of Anatoly to show no hierarchy. Here no one would stand above the other which was the only way she believed she could reason with Queen Miranda. Head Mage Casimir took his seat opposite the door and folded his hands in his lap, looking down at the bronze map thoughtfully. He looked tired, as well he should be, though Aisling thought he was too drawn and pale.

Aisling took her seat near the door beside General Calsifer who looked weary as well. As she scanned the faces, she saw many tired expressions. The next few days would be no easier on them. Princess Robyn took a seat beside Cordis who, as Gabriel’s father, was asked to be present.
‘No one knows his mother,’
Aisling thought sadly,
‘bar Casimir, that is. They should know the man they fight for is one of their very own in more ways than one.’

It did not take Queen Miranda long to join them, striding in as servants poured obsidian goblets of mulled wine. She was garbed in a low-cut gown of a swirling green-and-purple pattern. She looked angry, fearful with a tinge of worry, and she stopped before them, casting her eyes around the room. Head Mage Casimir stood politely and gave a tiny incline of his head.

“Queen Miranda, you look fetching in green,” he said in a grandfatherly tone that visibly smoothed her wrinkled brow. “It is very kind of you and yours to welcome us so richly. I had been craving a cup of hot wine for days.” He strode across the map, taking care to step around the wax seals, and took her hand. He kissed over her knuckles.
‘A kindness she does not deserve.’
The rest of the people present stood and gave bows of their heads, all but Robyn who remained seated with a pinched expression.
‘Tread gently girl, you are not Queen yet.’

“Head Mage,” Miranda smiled slightly. “Council, Mages, General.” She turned her eyes on Robyn. “Child.”

“Careful, Your Grace,” Robyn replied and stood. “Has it been so long you do not recognize me? Perhaps you would rather have me call you Auntie once again?”

Miranda’s face looked confused, but changed to fear before settling on a surprised smile. “Princess Robyn. Child—I—young lady I did not recognize you. I was certain you perished back when….” A wave of emotion struck her suddenly, and she threw her hand out for a chair. “Forgive me,” she whispered as a sob wracked her shoulders. Lewis stood and handed her a kerchief that she put over her face.

‘What is this now?’
Aisling wondered as the room sat in awkward silence.

Miranda collected herself and dabbed at her eyes. “Forgive me; I am such a foolish babbling woman. Princess, I thought you dead. I thought I would be Queen forever. I—I was never cut out for this place.”

“You have done admirably in such circumstances,” Casimir consoled, though Aisling knew he stretched the truth.

“No, you misunderstand me. I was never….” She looked around the room. “My son has taken Mage Gabriel and several Arconians north. You must swear when he returns you will not repeat to him what I tell you. I have borne this secret all these fifty four years.” She dabbed at her eyes again and lowered the kerchief. “I have no claim to the Anatolian throne.

“I look nothing like my parents, do I? My mother Queen Gwenin was flaxen haired and King Garren had straight brown locks, though most of you are too young to remember. Queen Gwenin gave birth to Rincarel first,” Miranda began. “She conceived again some time after and carried the baby to term, but the boy was stillborn. It is an old belief that a Queen who births a dead child is cursed. It is silly, of course, but Gwenin was a superstitious woman and had orchestrated a milk-mother to be on hand to nurse her child—a woman who had recently given birth to a daughter. Gwenin took the baby from the woman, had the milk-mother killed, and raised the child as her own, so no one would know she had failed in childbirth. So you see, I have no true claim to the throne, for I have no royal blood in me.” Miranda stopped and sat back in her chair, seeming as though a weight had been lifted off her.

“My husband and children did not know. Mother did not tell me until she was headed to her grave.”

“According to law, you have no claim to the throne,” Aisling said as the room fell silent. “However, as you are Queen presently, your children still have claim. It will make Robyn’s ascension easier, but should something happen, Kindle would be next in line still.”
‘The sneakiest takeover in Anatolian history.’

Miranda sniffed. “I would happily renounce my claim and step down.”

“That would be most noble of you,” Robyn said. “But we will be more tactful in this. It will be handled publically and with dignity so there is no question amongst the people.”

Aisling met Robyn’s eyes for a moment to see the truth in the lines of her pinched eyes. Robyn had something else planned, and it was likely Prince Nolen would not see another moon’s turn.

“It will be handled once things are settled with Mage Gabriel,” Robyn said with an air of finality. Robyn would be of age to take the throne on the morrow, but she had made it clear to Aisling the night before that she would not make her claim until Gabriel was safely returned to her.

“Your Grace, where did Nolen go?” Casimir asked.

Miranda looked at the map, searching the tiny towns printed in white paint. She picked up a flattened red marble from the edge of the map, and carefully placed it on a little town high in the north in the Nevis Range. “He left yesterday. That is where Kindle is being kept under the watch of her father.”

“We can catch them if we mount up this moment,” Markus said and moved to rise.

“He took a Class Six Air Mage with him,” Miranda replied. Aisling sucked in a breath, knowing instantly what that meant. “He is already there.”

“Does Kilkiny boast a Class Six Fire Mage by chance?” Adelaide asked suddenly.

“I believe one of the Arconians is such,” the Queen replied.

“Go find and win her to our cause,” Casimir said quietly to the Councilwoman who nodded and strode out quickly.

Miranda straightened. “I know I have no place to make demands, but I would very much like to set aside my crown and retire to one of the Novacula estates in the south with my children.”

Aisling stared at her for a moment trying to formulate a response, but Robyn answered for her. “Nolen will be brought to justice.”

Miranda pinched her lips. “Could you not find it within you to absolve him of his crimes? He has done no true wrong to you.”

Robyn was out of her seat in a heartbeat and loomed over Miranda’s seat, “You foolish woman! You are so blinded by your denial that you have let your son take too much power! Tell yourself
‘he’s a good boy’
and let him get away with
murder
! Miranda, even the other kingdoms know Lady Aisling is the only one holding this kingdom together while your son chipped away at it. Nolen has woken a Mage that will surely doom the non-Mages as much as his own kind; he slaughtered his Air Guard to bring down my protector, he enslaved a great power in an object feared more than death, and he took from me an easy transition to the throne, my love,” she slipped the stump of her hand loose from under the red cloak, “and my hand.”