Dragonvein - Book Three (15 page)

For several seconds Umbra's lips quivered. Then, in a flurry of motion, she reached into the folds of her dress and produced a small silver dagger. Leaping to her feet, she charged headlong at Kat, teeth bared and snarling viciously.

Kat’s hand shot out. “
Vinstat!”
she shouted a mere instant before her cousin's blade would have pierced her heart.

It was as if Umbra had run into a solid stone wall. The green smoke then shoved her hard back, slamming her into the far wall and forcing all of the air from her lungs. The dagger dropped from her hand and she slid to the floor, utterly dazed.

Kat wrapped the magical coil tightly around her cousin's neck and spat in her direction. “This is for my mother, you bitch.”

“Katyana, no!” Yularian called out. He placed a restraining hand on his daughter’s shoulder. “You have made your decision. But it is for me to carry out the sentence.”

Kat paused, but did not release Umbra. “I can do this, father,” she said. “I
want
to do it.”

Yularian bent down to meet his daughter’s eyes. “I know. I truly do. But please. Be my little girl just one more time and let me take care of it.”

Kat looked at the still gasping Umbra, then back to her father. She could see that he was virtually begging her.

“Very well,” she agreed. With a brisk nod, the spell vanished.

“Thank you,” he said, his gratitude clear. He stepped quickly over to pick up Umbra's fallen dagger. He then took the shackles that had once bound his daughter and snapped them around Umbra’s wrists.

By now, she had regained some of her composure. She glared defiantly at the king. “I demand a trial. It is my right under Imperial law.”

Yularian dragged her to her feet and shoved her to the door. “Ralmaria is no longer a part of the Empire, so that right has ceased to exist.” 

After gesturing for Kat to stay where she was, he forced Umbra from the room, prodding her along with her own dagger.

He returned a few minutes later with two guards.

“This is my daughter, Princess Katyana,” he announced. “You will obey her as you would me. Am I understood?”

The two men looked confused, but nodded quickly enough.

“Where have you taken Umbra?” asked Kat.

“I’ve had her confined to the cells in the basement,” he replied. “I’ll deal with her later. You never need to think about her again.”

“And Ethan?”

“He’s being released as we speak.”

Kat's sense of relief was enormous. She threw her arms around her father. “Thank you...thank you,” she told him repeatedly

He chuckled. “You never need to thank me for anything again.”

A thought then struck Kat and a concerned look crept over her. “Were you serious about what you said just now? You know - about Ralmaria leaving the Empire?”

“I was,” he affirmed. “But these are things we will speak about once I have reunited you with your…your friend.” His last few words sounded awkward.

“I guess you already know that we’re more than just friends,” said Kat, sharing his unease.

“I…well…we can talk about that later. First, I’m having clothes and food prepared for you. Then you can join your friend in my study. These men will take you.” 

Although reluctant to leave her father, his reassuring smile and the fact that she would soon be seeing Ethan again, gave Kat's steps a sense of urgency. The halls were mostly familiar, even if the décor had changed slightly from what she remembered. The polished granite corridors now all bore portraits of her mother. She paused several times to look at them, choking back the tears and suppressing her sorrow.

It wasn’t long before she realized they were leading her to her childhood bedroom. 

As she stepped inside, Kat caught her breath. Nothing had changed - from the pink silk drapes over her canopy bed, to the shelves piled high with dolls and toys. She noticed that the chest near her wardrobe was still wide open. This was where she had knelt and rummaged around for things to take with her just before running away. It was still littered with the odds and ends she had cast aside. A small tear formed. Clearly, her parents had not moved a single thing following her departure. She thanked the guards and closed the door.

Memories continued to flood in as she slowly moved around the room. Moments she had all but forgotten were now as clear as if they had only just happened. Possessions she once loved so dearly drew forth feelings she thought she had outgrown long ago. The desire to take her dolls from the shelf and sit on the floor with them was almost overwhelming.

A knock sounded on the door and two young women entered pushing a cart bearing a plate of roast mutton, a variety of vegetables, and a bottle of wine. They both curtsied before placing the meal on a small round table near the bed.

The taller and slightly older woman then nodded to her companion, who hurried from the room. “The king has ordered me to see that you have everything you need,” she said. “My name is Karol, and you may consider me completely at your service.”

Kat couldn't help but laugh at the idea of someone waiting on her hand and foot. “I’m sorry, Karol,” she said. “But I don’t think I’ll be needing a servant.”

She nodded politely. “I understand. However, I have my orders. So I will be with you if you need me.” She looked Kat up and down. “I am sure that you would like a shower and a change of clothes. Do you have a style of dress you prefer, or would you rather continue dressing like a man?”

Kat’s laughter ceased. “I do
not
dress like a man.”

“As you say,” replied Karol. “A dress then?” After a brief pause, she added: “It would please your father to see you in one, I’m sure.”

Kat sighed. “Then find me something you think he would like. But I want it to be comfortable. We’ll be talking privately, not going to a ball, for goodness sake.”

“Very well, My Lady.” Karol pointed to a door in the corner of the room. “The wash room is –”

“I know where it is,” she cut in quickly.

Karol hastily curtsied once again before leaving.

Kat sat down and tucked into her meal, moaning with delight with each mouthful. Her father had always boasted the finest cooks – a pleasure she had dearly missed. And the wine was superb.

Just as she was washing down the last mouthful, Karol returned with a powder blue linen dress, a sash, and a pair of silk shoes.

“Is this comfortable enough?” she asked.

Kat held the dress up in front of her. The fabric was soft and masterfully woven, and had been adorned with tiny pearls stitched into circular patterns. “It’s very nice. Thank you, Karol.”

“Once you have cleaned up, I will attend to your hair.”

Kat waved her hand. “I can do that myself. If you could just get me a brush and a hairpin, that’s all I'll be needing.”

Karol pointed to the small vanity across the room. “Everything is as you left it, My Lady.”

Kat smiled. Her ivory handled brush and an assortment of jeweled hairpins would be in the drawers. Memories of her mother brushing her hair before bedtime flashed through her head.

The departing Karol had just reached the door when she stopped and said: “You are every inch as lovely as your mother, My Lady. It is good you have come home.”

“You knew my mother?” Kat asked, a little surprised.

“Not well,” she told her. “But my mother did. She was the queen's personal attendant for many years.”

“Your mother was Misha?” Kat remembered the woman well. She had been with her mother ever since she first had married her father.

“It is good you remember her,” said Karol. “She will be pleased.”

“Is she here?”

“Sadly, no. After your mother was…taken, she could no longer bear to come to the house. It broke her heart to witness what happened.”

“I never even knew Misha had a daughter,” remarked Kat. “Or a husband for that matter.”

Sadness briefly passed over Karol's face. “My father died when I was still quite young and before you were born. Even though my mother loved it here, she wanted more for me than the life of a servant. But after your mother passed, there was nothing else for us. Without your father employing me, we would have been forced to live on the streets…or worse.”

“I’m sorry,” said Kat. “I know how you feel.”

“Don’t misunderstand, My Lady. I am grateful to be able to provide for my family. I have come to think of this place as a second home, and it would honor me to serve you as my mother once served yours.”

“It would honor
me
,” said Kat. “But I don’t think we’ll be staying here too long.”

“I see.” There was more than a touch of disappointment in her voice. “Then I hope you will at least allow me to continue serving you while you are here. It would make my mother very happy to know I had done so.”

Kat regarded the woman. Her eyes bore a deep sadness - an inner pain that Kat understood all too well. She wondered what plans Misha had once had for her.

“I suppose I could use some help with my hair after all, if you don’t mind,” she said.

Karol smiled. “Of course, My Lady.

Ethan found himself constantly fiddling with the end of his belt. Though now sitting comfortably in a plush suede chair, it was an understandable reaction given the uncertainty of his situation. 

Once again his eyes shifted away from the imposing mahogany desk and moved around the large room. The wall on the far side was lined with paintings and etchings, while directly opposite these stood a truly massive bookcase crammed with hundreds of leather bound volumes. On the wall directly behind the desk hung a tapestry bearing a golden stallion encircled by a black ring. The family crest, he imagined.

The two guards who had brought him here a short time ago remained standing just inside the door. Though they didn’t speak, their eyes darted over in his direction constantly. He had asked them time and again why he'd been released, but they gave little information away, stating only that their orders were to ensure he was taken care of. His questions about Kat were totally ignored.

The room he had been given was every bit as luxurious as those at the king’s manor in Elyfoss. And the food provided was as good as anything he had ever tasted. Whatever was going on, they clearly wanted him to be comfortable. With the collar removed, he could now once again use magic should the need arise. But the woman, Umbra, would certainly know that as well, and must be unconcerned. It was a comfort to know he was not without the means to fight, but he would not rush into anything until he knew more. Far better to stay calm and discover whatever his captors had in mind first.

After a few more minutes, the door opened and a man in purple robes with gold trim entered. His grey hair and tired aspect told of a life of worry and hardship. Not the hardship of a farmer or laborer, but of a man burdened with many years of great responsibility.

“Leave us,” he instructed the guards.

Once alone, the man rounded the desk and took a seat.

Ethan stood and gave a formal bow, as he had seen performed by King Ganix, “My name is –”

“I know who you are, Ethan Dragonvein,” he said. “I am King Yularian of Ralmaria. And before we speak on any other subject, you must first tell me one thing. How do you intend to protect my daughter?”

Astonishment washed over Ethan. “Your Highness, I…I don’t understand your question.”

“It’s quite simple,” he said, leaning back and steepling his hands beneath his chin. “The Emperor wants you dead. At the same time, it is clear my daughter has deep feelings for you. So I must now decide whether or not turning you over to him would be the best way of protecting her.”

Ethan could see the sincerity in his eyes. He thought carefully before answering. “Handing me in will not save your daughter. Or anyone else. Shinzan will certainly kill me if you do. But he will not stop there. This world is dying, and Shinzan is the cause.”

“And you think you can stop him?”

“I’m going to try,” Ethan replied.

“And if you fail?”

“Then Lumnia is doomed. But seeing as how that’s already the case, nothing will have changed.”

Yularian regarded Ethan for a lengthy period, as if attempting to penetrate his soul. “I fear that your quest has endangered my daughter. You intend to face Shinzan. Were she to follow you, her fate will be tied to yours. I cannot allow this to happen.”

Ethan shifted in his chair. “You have my solemn word there is nothing I wouldn’t do to ensure Kat's safety. But I’m not sure exactly what it is you want from me.”

“Leave her,” he said flatly. “Tell her you do not love her. Tell her she belongs here. Tell her whatever you want. Just be sure to leave her.”

The two of them locked eyes. Ethan could see that Yularian was determined. Fiercely so. And he was sure the king would go to any lengths to see that his daughter remained out of harm's way. Part of Ethan wanted to agree to his demands. But he knew Kat would not be safe anywhere. Not as long as Shinzan lived.

These thoughts were still passing through his head when the door opened and Kat entered. The blue linen dress she was wearing fitted her perfectly, and her hair had been brushed and tied into a neat braid that fell down the middle of her back.

Yularian’s gaze remain fixed on Ethan for several seconds longer before looking up and smiling at his daughter. “You are a vision, Katyana. So much like your mother.”

Ethan stood, a huge smile on his face. Kat immediately threw her arms around his neck and kissed him passionately. Only the sound of her father clearing his throat separated them.

She gave him an awkward smile. “I’m sorry. It’s just that I was so worried about him.”

Yularian nodded. “I understand.” Even so, he flashed Ethan a disapproving look before adding: “Please sit. There is much to talk about.”

Kat kissed her father on the cheek and then settled into the chair alongside Ethan. Yularian leaned back behind his desk and regarded the two of them expectantly.

“I’m not sure where to begin,” said Kat.

Yularian smiled. “Begin wherever you like. We have plenty of time.”

After taking a deep cleansing breath, her tale began, starting with Umbra's theft of her doll. On reaching the point where she had become a thief in Miltino, she suddenly paused with a confused look on her face.

“There's one thing I don’t understand. Why was Umbra so eager for you to know that it was me? How did she think you’d react?”

Yularian lowered his eyes. “She honestly believed I would send you to the Emperor.”

Kat frowned. “Why would she think that?”

“Because I’m a coward,” he replied. “I denounced you after Umbra claimed you had attacked her with magic. From that time on, I led people to believe that I sought you only in order to bring you to justice.”

He looked up with a pained expression. “I gave thanks every day when they did not find you. I knew if they did, they would kill you. There was nothing I could have done. Whatever your fate in your new life may have been, had you stayed here it would have been far worse.”

“You’re not a coward,” said Ethan. “You were left with an impossible choice.”

“Perhaps,” said Yularian. “And it would seem that fate has granted me a second chance.”

Ethan knew these words were meant for him. He took Kat’s hand. “Yes it has.”

Kat continued her tale while her father listened intently. Ethan noticed that she left out many of the more distasteful details, presumably to save both herself and her father embarrassment. But in the end, all the essential facts were laid bare.

At the conclusion, Kat leaned back in her chair and sighed. “By now, I bet you’ve already tried to talk Ethan into making me stay in Ralmaria with you - right? That’s why he was here before me.”

“I only asked him to do the right thing,” Yularian stated.

“The right thing is for me to do what I
know
to be right,” she said firmly. “And Ethan needs me.”

“You say this because you love him. Not because it’s true.”

“You’re wrong. Yes, I do love him. But he
does
need me. Right now, I’m the only one who can help him learn the power he needs to challenge Shinzan.”

“And how are you to do that?”

Kat paused to glance over at Ethan. “I can’t say.”

“You can’t…or you won’t?”

Ethan stepped in. “That's okay,” he told Kat. “I'll explain.”

He turned his attention to Yularian. “Your Highness. The spirits of my ancestors have passed from the dragons into me. The most powerful one among these ancestors intends to teach me all that he knows. But he can only do so by first instructing your daughter. She will then pass on that knowledge to me.”

Yularian sat back, his mouth twisted into a cynical frown. “You expect me to believe this?”

“It’s true, father,” Kat assured him. “You have my word. Anyway, if you meant what you said about fighting the Empire, I won’t be any safer here than with Ethan.
Did
you mean it?”

Yularian’s shoulders slumped. “Yes. I meant it. But at least here I could find a place to hide you. I know my own land. And you have been away for so long. Not knowing if you are safe would drive me mad.”

Her father’s pained expression was tearing at her heart. “I know. And I’m sorry. But there’s no other way.”

The king stood and turned his back. “Then make me one promise. When Shinzan is defeated, you will come home…for good. Naturally, Lord Dragonvein would be welcome also.”

Kat looked to Ethan, who smiled and gave her an approving nod. “I promise,” she said.

A small sigh of relief slipped from Yularian. Facing them once more, he gestured for them to rise. “Then we have told enough tales for one day. Let me show your suitor my home. And tonight we shall feast and be a family again. I may not have convinced you to stay, but I will enjoy having my daughter close to me, be it only for a short time.”

They spent the rest of the day wandering the palace. Even though the king seemed much more interested in spending the time talking with Kat than explaining the history of his home, Ethan was still captivated by its sheer scope and beauty.

Eventually, a servant arrived to tell them it was time to prepare for dinner. Kat was immediately spirited away by several hand maidens, leaving Ethan alone with Yularian, who insisted on personally showing him to his room.

“Where will you go from here?’ the king asked.

“Back to Elyfoss,” he replied. “I have to speak with an elf named Lotheri. We were traveling with his daughter when the Corvali caught us.”

“I received word this morning that a group of elves has been spotted not far from here. Do you think your companion might be among them?”

Ethan nodded. “If she was able to figure out where we were taken, then probably.”

“Then I must send word to them of your safety at once,” Yularian said. “We would not want to fight with our allies.”

“So you’re going to join the elves and the dwarves?”

“Not openly,” he replied. “Not until I have everything in place. If I move too aggressively, Shinzan will send an army to crush me before I’m ready. But I want you to tell your friends that I will definitely join with them when the time is right.”

“You think others will join too?”

“That’s what I intend to find out. Shinzan has already sent word that we are to muster our forces to march on the dwarves.”

On reaching Ethan’s room, Yularian caught his arm just before he entered.

“Two things I would ask,” he said. “Though I will not ask you again to leave my daughter behind, please allow her to remain here for at least a few days. I understand your need for haste, but grant a father this boon.”

Ethan smiled. “Of course, Your Highness. And what else?”

“Do not visit Katyana’s bed chamber while you are here.”

Ethan flushed. “Of course not. I promise.”

“Thank you.” Without a further word, the king squeezed his shoulder and then strode away.

The lavish dining hall where they ate dinner that evening was spacious enough to have accommodated dozens of guests. Yet only the three of them were seated at the end of the magnificent table. Kat didn’t seem to mind, spending the entire time peppering her father with questions and listening as he recounted his memories of her when she was a tiny child.

Ethan, remembering Yularian’s desire for her to spend at least a few days with him, suggested that he should go out to speak with the elves. Kat’s pleasant demeanor changed instantly.

“This had better not be some trick,” she warned. “If you try to leave here without me, I’ll just follow you on my own. You know that.”

Ethan reached over and took her hand. “It’s not a trick, I promise. It’s just that I don’t want Keira thinking the king is sending men to attack them. If they see me, they'll know everything is all right. And it will give you a few days to spend with your father.”

“Please, Katyana,” Yularian implored. “I don’t know when I’ll see you again. Just a few days.”

Convinced of their sincerity, she smiled and nodded. “I’d like that.” She leaned over to kiss Ethan on the cheek. “Thank you.”

When the meal was finished, Yularian invited them to join him for a walk in the gardens. Feeling that Kat should have some private time with her father, Ethan politely declined. Kat appeared to be grateful for this gesture, though before he left them alone she made a point of pulling him aside to where her father couldn’t see them and kissing him long and hard.

Her passion was sufficient to make him seriously regret his promise to the king about their sleeping arrangements.

* * * * *

Kat returned to her room later that night, her heart filled with a joy she had not known since she was a child. She and her father had talked for hours while wandering the gardens where she had spent so many carefree days playing and laughing. It wasn’t until she noticed him wince as he walked that she decided it was time they said goodnight.

Her father was happy that she would remain with him while Ethan spoke to the elves. And in all honesty, she was happy with this arrangement too. Never in her dizziest daydreams had she thought she would be able to come home. All the distressing thoughts of recent years that her father had stopped loving her and that she was without a family were now banished. And even if she was fated never to return - even if Shinzan were to kill them all - she had still had this time. And not even the terrible power of the Emperor could take it away.