Rise of the Red Harbinger (55 page)

“And your bloody stance against violence? Of all the people on this island, I have seen the least of the world. And even
I
can see that it is a violent world! How blind can
you
be? Will we gain the respect of the King or of Ashur by sitting here, cut off from the world, only caring for ourselves? We do nothing for the people of Ashur! Yet many of them love us! For what? Because I can make a blasted fireball? What is the point of having us here if you are turn us into farm animals? My father was a coward just like you are! He hid me away just like you do with the Descendants! Too afraid to let us see the world for what it is and function properly in it!” He noticed the Mavens slightly shifting in their seats. “How much of our lives are you wasting here? Look at them! Look at my friends! When Jahmash comes they will be dead and so will I. And it will be your bloody fault! We are the greatest weapon the world has to stop him and you hide in your quarters every day, then you have the nerve to tell other people to teach us about things we will never need.

“I am
charged
? Light of Orijin, c
harge
me, dammit! What difference does it make whether you kill me or put me in a dungeon like the Prince? You’re wasting my bloody life away, just like you’ve been doing for the past eight months! My father lived as a coward but died a martyr! But you, you will hide away behind your door for your whole bloody existence! And I refuse to follow any man who would make decisions for my life while spending his whole life hidden in a room! So tell me,
Headmaster
, what you plan to do with your blasted charges and stop wasting my damn time!”

Marlowe’s countenance had not changed. He sat there and took Baltaszar’s entire tirade. “Are you finished, Baltaszar?”

“Oh trust me, I could go on and on, but I don’t want to waste my voice on you any longer.”

“Very well. Baltaszar Kontez, you are hereby banished from the House of Darian. Indefinitely. You are not allowed on these premises. If any Descendant should feel even the slightest concern for his or her safety in your presence elsewhere in Ashur, you will be captured and imprisoned in our dungeons. Indefinitely. Maven Savaiyon shall transport you to your new…home.” Marlowe looked past Baltaszar to Savaiyon, “Remember Maven, only high enough to hurt him. Do not kill him.” Baltaszar turned to Savaiyon, who nodded with understanding.

Baltaszar took a deep breath and glanced at Vasher. He shouted, “I’m sorry Vash, I know I messed everything up for you. I didn’t mean for things to get so crazy.”

Vasher smiled, “Don’t worry about it, Tasz. I’m not angry. I probably would have done the same thing if I was you!” Vasher gave Baltaszar a nod and he understood immediately. All of his friends sitting there forgave him unconditionally. He suspected he’d changed the minds of some of the Mavens as well.

Baltaszar took another deep breath as Savaiyon pulled on his chain for him to follow. He led Baltaszar out of the room and into the corridor, where one of Savaiyon’s yellow-framed gateways stood. Through it, Baltaszar could see endless treetops and mountains faintly peeking up at the horizon.

“Hey,” Savaiyon uttered from behind him. Baltaszar turned to look at him with disdain. “Try to figure out how to use the chains to ease your fall. It’s a long way down, so you will have plenty of time.”

Baltaszar tilted his head in confusion, “Wh…”

Savaiyon shoved Baltaszar violently with both arms. Baltaszar fell backwards and saw the gateway blink out. As he fell, branches whacked him in the arms, legs, back, and head. The pain was accumulating until finally his head slammed into a huge branch and everything went black.

***

Vasher barely understood what happened to Baltaszar before Zin Marlowe called him to the same podium where Baltaszar had stood only moments before. He looked up at Marlowe, unable to wipe the bewildered expression from his face. “Am I to be banished as well, Master Marlowe?”

Marlowe simply stared at Vasher as if he hadn’t said anything at all. After a moment, Marlowe spoke. “Vasher Jai, you are charged with assembling a team of Descendants unfit for the mission at hand. You are charged with using biased judgment to carry out an initiative directed by me. I have given you your charges. You now have the opportunity to speak on your behalf if you believe that these charges are unreasonable. Choose your words
wisely
.” Marlowe hung onto the last word and Vasher understood that if he revealed anything of the Anonymi plot, his fate would likely be as bad as Baltaszar’s.

“Headmaster, I chose people I believed I could trust the most for such a sensitive mission. The nature of our mission was secretive and I brought these individuals specifically because I knew they would do things exactly as I asked. I had no idea that Baltaszar had an additional agenda. But at the same time, I am not angry at him. His reasons for being angry were genuine. I agree that he did not handle the situation in the best manner. But, truthfully, I could not tell you how I would act if put into his situation. I would like to think that I would maintain a cool head and stay calm. I believe all of us in this room would like to think that. But I firmly believe all of us would also regret our actions if put in Baltaszar’s situation, just as he does now. I am not questioning your decision about his fate, but I am standing by my decision and if given the same responsibility again, I would choose Baltaszar every time.” Vasher took a deep breath and clutched his hands behind his back. He continued to look directly at Marlowe.

“It is an admirable thing to stand by your friends unconditionally. It is also a foolish thing. Maven Savaiyon informed me that he saw potential in you as a leader. However, I do not share this sentiment. It is clear that you are not suited to lead.” Vasher clenched his teeth.
Funny, that’s what everyone says about you
, he thought as Marlowe continued. “Looking at the grand scheme, your mission failed because of one person. I cannot say with any accuracy that it would have failed had Baltaszar not been with you. Therefore, as punishment, you are hereby confined to the House of Darian and its grounds. Indefinitely. You are no longer eligible for missions or leisure trips to other cities. You are restricted from leisure time within the House of Darian or on its grounds. At all times you will either be learning or working. When you are not doing either, you will be eating, sleeping, or confined to your room. Your new room. In solitude. Indefinitely.”

Vasher looked at the floor to avoid glaring at Marlowe. He could handle confinement and being barred from missions. That made sense. But the rest was nonsense to him. All he could do was mutter, “I understand.”

“Good. You may leave now. Maven Blastevahn awaits you outside this chamber. He will bring you to your new quarters.” Marlowe turned to the rest of Vasher’s company sitting off to the side. “The rest of you may leave now as well. Return to your quarters for the remainder of the day. Leave only for your meals.

***

The three men led Garrison on, though he had no idea where he was going. The only thing he knew for sure was that he was no longer in the dungeon. It was the first day since he’d come to the House that there was no chill in his bones. Through the sack on his head he heard a group of people walk by, bickering about something. Some of their comments might have been directed at him, but he couldn’t be sure. Garrison wasn’t even sure he cared anymore. The only saving grace of his situation was that Donovan and Vanna had no way of knowing his fate on arriving here. It wasn’t that they would gloat at being right; Garrison hated being wrong. Embarrassment would be an understatemend if either of them knew his situation. There was to much wrong in his past to continue allowing more.

This is ridiculous. Chains? On my hands and feet?
Since Garrison first arrived at the House, he hadn’t had the energy to use his manifestation. His captors made sure that he’d stayed that way. Despite having no mirror to see, Garrison knew he wouldn’t recognize his own reflection. He felt confident that if he returned home in his current state, no one else would recognize him either.

Thinking about home quickly reminded Garrison of why he was in his current situation.
Would I even trust myself? Would I have treated someone like me any better than they have? How would I respond if Descendants came to Cerysia and attacked my people? How would I react if some of those very Descendants were Cerysian?
Garrison was suddenly grateful for the talks he’d had with his Uncle Roland. He’d finally begun to rid himself of the sense of entitlement that his uncle constantly berated him about.

The blindfold was ripped from his face, disturbing his train of thought. Garrison found himself in a room walking toward a platform. On it sat several men and women, though one man sat in front of the others.
That must be the ‘Marlowe’ they all talk about. Complain about. And they call me the hypocrite
. Garrison was led to a podium. His three escorts, all much bigger than he, stood behind him and faced the platform. Garrison looked straight ahead. He found solace in focusing on the fact that he was finally warm.

The man in front spoke first. “Prince Garrison Brighton…”

Garrison cut him off, “I am NOT a prince. I renounced my title in order to come here and live among you.”

The man stared at him, as if telling him to shut up. “Garrison Brighton, you are charged with the murder of scores of Descendants throughout Ashur. You are charged with the capture and torture of scores of Descendants throughout Ashur. You are charged with attempting to trespass upon the property of the House of Darian in order to commit more murder. I have given you your charges. You have the opportunity to speak on your behalf if you believe that these charges unreasonable. Choose your words wisely.” The man sat down, his expression dismissive. Nothing Garrison could say would put him in a better situation. He would have to make sure he wasn’t put into something worse.

“Headmaster Marlowe?” The man nodded in affirmation. Garrison hesitated for a moment.
Cite the Book of Orijin. Connect with him
. “Sir, if the actions of my past would define my whole character, then I should be dead. However, in
The Book of Orijin
, it clearly states that we will each have an opportunity to repent before mankind and correct our mistakes before being judged by the Orijin. I have made many mistakes in my life, but I am trying to correct them. You say that I came here to kill more Descendants. Ask your sentry at the mountain if that was true. He saw Cerysian soldiers chase me down as I ran toward him. I say Cerysian soldiers because they are no longer mine. I command them no longer.

“You say that I hunted and killed Descendants and that is true. I did that until I saw truth. What you did not see was that I killed my own soldier for defying me when I ordered my men to stop killing Descendants. What you did not see was that I defied my brother’s advice in coming here. What you did not see was that my father threatened to kill me when I told him I was coming here. What you did not see was that I fought my father’s Royal Guard in front of his throne, then threw my friend’s helmet at him in front of his subjects. What you did not see was that the Blind Men granted me asylum as I fled my father’s kingdom. What you did not see was that Taurani sacrificed their lives to get me here—the very people who oppose the existence of this place. And what you did not see is that I have prayed every day since I have been here that you people might grant me mercy. Starve me for as long as you like. Do what you believe is necessary to make yourselves feel safe, but please allow me to function in this place.

“My manifestation is powerful. One that my father fears. If you want revenge for the crimes against you, let me help you against him. I was barely an adult when he sent me to hunt down Descendants. That is how he raised me. I agree, I am guilty and responsible for my actions. But so is he. Jahmash is coming. And I can guarantee to you that if my father sits on the throne when that happens, then Ashur will be lost. My father only cares for himself. I am an asset that you can use. I have come to terms that you do not want to treat me well. I can live with that. Whatever you decide, please just do not kill me. I do not believe that the Orijin is done with me yet.”

Marlowe responded immediately. “You have wisdom, Garrison Brighton, I give you that. If you could be trusted, you would be a great ally. And a strong member of this household. You have read
The Book of Orijin
and you can quote it. You understand its lessons. However, you have also committed great sin. No man is ever completely rid of sin. I do not believe in violence. We will not kill you. But you will go back to the dungeon and live as you have since you arrived here. Indefinitely. However, if you somehow prove to us that you have been rehabilitated while in confinement, I shall consider freeing you.”

Garrison looked at Marlowe. Defeat weighed heavy on his eyes and cheeks. He turned and walked away from the podium, clenching his chained fists behind his back. His three escorts quickly stepped in line with him and blindfolded him again. As he walked away from Marlowe, Garrison turned his head back to the man. “Go ahead. Imprison me indefinitely. My will is stronger than your spite. I will wait for my revenge indefinitely. My father is a small man. I am ashamed to have come here only to find that you are exactly the same.” Garrison turned and walked to the door.

Chapter 23

Abraday

From
The Book of Orijin,
Verse Four Hundred Seventy-Nine

When all other methods have been exhausted, it may be necessary to destroy everything you know, and begin anew.

“You seek Maven Savaiyon. He is the only one I know who would be capable of something like this.” The words left Adria’s mouth before she had even made the decision to answer. She found she wanted desperately to answer Maqdhuum’s question.

“What does he look like? Would he be at the house? If not, where else can I find him? What is his full name?”

“He is very tall. Shivaani. Brown-skinned and short, short black hair. I do not know his full name. I have called him Maven Savaiyon ever since I met him. It is the same thing with his whereabouts. I do not have the privilege of knowing his comings and goings. Someone with his manifestation can come and go as he pleases.”

“If he is in The House of Darian where would I find his quarters?”

Once again, Adria felt almost excited to answer. “The Mavens reside on the upper levels of the right side of the House. He is on the top floor. I believe there are four floors on that side.”

“Good. Good. You may release her now, if you wish, Lord Jahmash. I have no further questions. I know exactly what must be done.” Maqdhuum walked away and traversed the plank that led back to his ship.

Adria still felt the grip on her mind, though it loosened somewhat. It was warm, comfortable, especially in the chill of the late winter. Her galley was hundreds of yards away from the gateway. Luckily, Drahkunov had insisted days ago that they move near the front of the formation, along with Maqdhuum’s. Aric had spotted the gateway in the night by its yellow fringes and Drahkunov had sent the signal for all galleys to stop immediately. Aric said that the gateways clearly curved as if forming a ring around something. Adria could not be sure if they had always been there or not. She had never seen the House from the sea.

Through the gateway all that could be seen was ocean that stretched out forever. It would be impossible to get to the House by ship as long as the gateway stood. She had no idea how Maqdhuum planned to stop Maven Savaiyon from keeping the gateways in place, but there was an anger growing inside of her aimed solely at the thought of Maqdhuum. Adria could not understand why. The anger pounded in her mind so strongly that her head began to ache. The anger turned to hatred. Her body tensed as the pain in her head neared unbearable. Blood flowed from her nose and her vision grew hazy.

The grip released and Adria felt her mind and body decompress. Tears streamed from her eyes and mixed with the blood dripping from her chin. She thought about Maqdhuum, whom she swore had stood before her only moments ago. Adria had no idea why, but she suddenly adored the man and wanted to do everything she could to help him.

***

Maqdhuum reached the top of his galley’s crow’s nest. It was too dangerous to attempt to Travel to the island if he could not see where he was going. Even from this height, he could not see over the gateway. He crossed his arms and stared out at the sea.
Of everything I have experienced, I’ve never had this challenge
. He stared up at the sky as snowflakes danced around him, almost cursing the Orijin, when a thought dawned on him. He looked back at the gateway to judge his height, then back at the sky. “Well this is going to be a first,” he muttered to himself.

How difficult can it be? Travel as high up as I can. Get a good enough look. Find a destination. Fall. Travel again. Before hitting the water. Easy.
He eyed the scout that sat up there with him. “You. How loyal are you to Jahmash?”

The scrawny man responded instantly, “I would give my life for Jahmash.” Maqdhuum had hoped the man’s loyalty wouldn’t have been so strong.

Fool. All of you are fools. Giving your life for a Harbinger. For any Harbinger
. He spat at the word. None of them were willing to do the same until they had to. Until there were no other options. “Good.” He leaned to the man and grasped him by the arm. “You are about to.” The man eyed him curiously as Maqdhuum pictured a place in the sky that would give him the best view. All it ever required to Travel was to concentrate hard enough on his destination. In a blink, Maqdhuum and his scout disappeared from the crow’s nest and appeared in the sky, hundreds of feet above the ships. Their plummet began instantly. With as much force as he could, Maqdhuum shoved the other man away from him. Luckily, they were moving too fast for the man’s scream to be heard. The man’s loyalty to Jahmash would be his death, simply because Maqdhuum could not trust him to witness his Traveling.

Island. Focus on the island. He looked toward the gateways. There it is. Clever. They are smarter than Jahmash gave them credit for.
Past the gateways the island was clear. A few hundred yards from the coast stood The House of Darian.
Impressive. Likely holds a couple hundred. We’ll attack at night. Catch them in their sleep. If the girl is right, they won’t know how to fight back. Stupid. Modern day Harbingers, my ass
. He knew exactly where he would land, but it would be unwise to start the attack in the daylight. Maqdhuum Traveled back to the crow’s nest on his galley. He watched the scout fall from the sky far off in the distance. From this far away, no one would know who it was, or even that it was a person.

He climbed back down to the deck and his crew gathered around him immediately, expecting a directive of some sort. “We wait here until night fall. Ready the cannons when the sunlight has completely gone and the sky is black. Once you see the gateways disappear, advance the ships. It may take a while for them to go down, but be at the ready. The scout on the crow’s nest is gone. Replace him. The rest of you must be vigilant. The coast is not far off. Fire the cannons first. Only when you have no more cannonballs do you leave the ship to attack. We may be able to destroy them without leaving our ships. We’ll try that first. I am retreating below deck. Do not disturb me. I have given you your orders. Obey them or I will kill you.” They all nodded or gave an affirmation and returned to their duties.

Maqdhuum returned to his cabin below deck. It was the only private area on the ship, but his crew feared him too much to disobey his orders.
How best to kill Savaiyon? Perhaps go to his quarters. If he is there, stab him. If not, hide until he returns. Then stab him. He must be very powerful to maintain the gateways for so long and still function. I wonder how long they have been there. Do they know we’re coming? No matter. They cannot stop me. He cannot stop me.

He sat there in thought for nearly two hours before looking outside again. The snow had stopped and the sun had begun its descent, but too much light remained. Maqdhuum waited another hour and assessed the light once more.

He finally appeared on the shores of the island in complete darkness. He hadn’t bothered to bring his armor, only two of his swords on his back and a dagger belt around his waist. It helped that his breeches and shirt, as usual, were black as well. He didn’t bother with a coat, despite the cold. Maqdhuum traversed the sand to the frost-laden grass and came upon The House of Darian within a few minutes.
Magnificent structure. Almost like a castle. Shame it has Darian’s name. No Harbinger would want this. Maybe Jahmash. But he doesn’t count
. He walked toward the right of what seemed to be the main entrance. The wing on the right extended farther back than he’d originally thought.
Maybe there are more here than we expected. The girl wouldn’t lie though. She can’t. Shame Jahmash has her. She’s a nice kid. Probably kill her once he doesn’t need her anymore. Even Farrah isn’t so bad. Slade either. I’m sure they’ll all die soon. Of course he’ll keep around dimwits like Aric.

The entrance to the right wing was locked.
Dammit. If only it had a window, then I could Travel inside
. Maqdhuum walked around to the side. Most of the windows were dark or covered in blinds. He assumed those were private quarters of Descendants. Through one or two windows he could see the main hallway. He looked up. Sure enough, the windows were four stories high.
Twice in one day? I’ll have to get close to the window to be able to see in.
As soon as he’d thought it, Maqdhuum was eye level with a window on the fourth floor, looking in. He’d chosen one with a light on. He clung to the frame and looked in. A short woman paced back and forth around the room, talking to herself. She walked around in her undergarments; she was not nearly the most attractive woman he’d ever seen. Maqdhuum waited until her back was to the window once more and Traveled inside.

He walked right up behind her and swiftly struck a dagger into her back while covering her mouth.
That’s right. Lie down gently
. He pulled the dagger back out before resting her on the floor, then put a finger to his lips. He whispered, “If you scream, I will kill you. Tell me where Maven Savaiyon’s quarters are or I will kill you.” He pressed the dagger to her neck. “Do you understand?” She nodded as tears streamed from her eyes into her light brown hair.

“I will not tell you.” She choked out the words, her eyes defiant.

“I do not have time to waste.” He pressed the blade more firmly into her neck, gripping her throat more tightly. “If you refuse, I will do the same to every Descendant I find in this place until I find him. You have two choices. Tell me and live. Be stupid and cause many deaths.

She gasped out what she could. “You aren’t here in peace. You will still kill them. Do what you must.”

Bitch. This is getting nowhere. She isn’t scared enough
. “Very well.” They reappeared hundreds of feet above the House, falling together. “We can go back to your quarters as soon as you tell me. Or you can fall and be a lovely bloodstain on the ground!” Maqdhuum was finally thankful for the cold, windy day.

The woman finally acquiesced once the details of the ground became distinct. “The third room after mine! Three rooms past mine! Please! Please!”

Maqdhuum promptly brought her back into the room, to the same position they’d been in. He slit her throat quickly. He stood up and wiped the blade on her bed
. I wanted to let you fall. Too much noise. Before we’re done destroying this place, maybe I’ll get to do it to someone else. These Descendants aren’t so bad though. She had some fire. Shame we’re killing them. They might’ve stood a chance
. He appeared outside of the building once more, in front of the window that should have been his destination.
Dark. Good. Maybe away. Hopefully sleeping
. Just as with the previous window, Maqdhuum positioned himself close enough to grasp the outside. He peeked in as well as he could to glimpse inside the room. All he needed was a fleeting image.

He let go and Traveled inside the room shortly after his fall began. He appeared less than an inch in front of a bed.
Too close. Have to be more careful
. He had never tested his theory, but he assumed that he could appear in the middle of something solid and be hurt by it. He’d never tried it with water either. The last thing Maqdhuum wanted was to drown in the process of testing a theory.

No one lay in the bed.
Dammit. He’s out. Closet. Hopefully not for too long
. He opened a slatted door that led to a closet. There was barely enough room to stand inside, so he left the door ajar and hid behind it.

Maqdhuum stood there for nearly an hour. At times he stretched or squatted just to keep alert. Finally, he heard the door open. In the moonlight he saw the silhouette of the man. It was the dark, statuesque Shivaani that had been in the Taurani village when he’d taken Adria and Gunnar, just as Adria had described.
Good girl. Maybe I will inform Jahmash of how valuable you are
.

Savaiyon walked to a lantern beside the bed and leaned over to light it. Maqdhuum quickly crept to him, dagger in hand, and thrust the blade into Savaiyon’s midsection. The tall man doubled over before Maqdhuum could pull the blade back. As he reached for another, Savaiyon seized him and threw him across the room, too fast for him to be able to Travel and avoid the impact. He crashed into a wooden dresser, breaking it in the process. He shook his head to regain his bearings. As he looked up, he saw Savaiyon fleeing through a gateway and hurled another dagger at the man’s head. It struck Savaiyon beneath the shoulder blade as the gateway closed. Maqdhuum grunted.
Too dizzy
.

But before the gateway closed, Maqdhuum saw that Savaiyon had ron to Sundari. Maqdhuum Traveled there immediately behind him. As he appeared on the street, he saw Savaiyon still running, head turned behind him. Another gateway had formed before Savaiyon.
I know that city, too, Savaiyon. Wolf’s Paw. Damaszur.
He shook his head and Traveled once more as Savaiyon’s gateway closed.
Dammit. Still dizzy
. He ran as soon as his feet touched the ground, though his balance was still somewhat off. Sure enough, Savaiyon ran ahead, gateway already formed.
Port of Granis. This is going to be extremely fun. I am going to be so proud to kill you.
He Traveled once more, another dagger in hand.

***

The booms had come from all over the House, shaking Lincan out of deep sleep. He blinked several times as the House trembled again with a thunderous boom, Lincan knew he would soon need more out of his manifestation than a few hours of sleep could provide. For the first time, he’d regretted that Delilah slept in his bed. An attack on the House meant that dying from overexertion was just as likely as dying in combat. He’d definitely overexerted himself with Delilah throughout the night.