Taste of Darkness Read online

  A few hours later, Ginger guided me to an empty cot. “Sleep. Or you’ll be useless for the mission,” she said, pressing down on my shoulders.

  I perched on the edge, uncertain.

  “Do you want a sleeping draft?” Her stiff-backed posture meant she wouldn’t go away until I stretched out. She flicked her long brown braid over her shoulder, waiting for my answer.

  Ginger reminded me of Loren—practical, intelligent, and stubborn when it suited her. Like now. Around forty years old, she didn’t tolerate overly whiny patients, either.

  “No, thanks.”

  “Then what are you waiting for? An order from the prince?”

  I smiled for an instant. Should I tell her about how well I obeyed orders from Ryne?

  Ginger pointed to the pillow.

  “Okay, okay.” I kicked off my boots and eased back onto the cot, resting my head on the pillow. Every muscle relaxed as a heaviness spread throughout my body. “Are you always this bossy?”

  “Only when needed.” She remained standing next to the cot. “Stop fighting it and close your eyes.”

  “Yes, sir.” I managed to provoke a slight grin from Ginger before she faded. “All right, Tohon, your turn.”

  “My turn for what, my dear?”

  “Tell me things I don’t want to hear. Your turn to gloat.”

  We walked through a forest, holding hands. I gazed at the greenery, flush with life. No autumn colors. Familiar clumps of trees and bushes passed and I realized we were in the silent-training area near Zabin.

  “There’s no need to gloat. You’ve finally accepted the truth. And see what you’ve learned already.”

  “That I’m capable of doing horrible things?”

  “Don’t be so hard on yourself, my dear. Experimenting and learning are essential. You already discovered quite a bit about the Lilys and how the toxin and serum work. You may even find a cure for the toxin and save lots of lives.”

  “Searching for a cure created the plague, Tohon.” As he was well aware, since he’d helped the healers with their research. “I’m not going to be the cause of another one.”

  “How do you know another one hasn’t already been started? You’ve even considered how strange it was for Ryne to get sick years after being exposed to the disease. And don’t forget, I know all about Death Lily toxin. I’ve been experimenting with it for a long time.”

  Horror welled. “Did you produce a different strain?”

  “Have you ever wondered why I helped the Healer’s Guild?”

  “You’re dodging my question.”

  “Indulge me.”

  I mulled it over. “You had the time since your father picked your cousin to be his heir.”

  “Ouch. Keep thinking.”

  “Your magic makes all the lady healers swoon so I think you had your pick of evening companions.”

  He smirked. “The perks of being a life magician. But I was after more than a warm bed. Think devious thoughts, my dear.”

  In boarding school Tohon had wanted one thing: to be crowned king in his final year. Instead, Ryne had won the crown. But to Tohon, it was considerably more than a political exercise. He desired a kingdom more than anything. What would he do to gain it?

  I stopped, shocked to my core, gaping at Tohon’s serene expression. “You spread the plague. You murdered six million people.”

  “It’s not murder, my dear. It’s called biological warfare.”

  * * *

  “Avry, wake up.” Odd sat on the edge of the cot. “You’re yelling in your sleep.”

  “Sorry.”

  “Don’t apologize to me. You’re the one dreaming about Tohon.”

  Oh, great, I’d called Tohon’s name. “I—”

  “No need to explain. I understand. Tohon’s the stuff of nightmares.”

  Sitting up, I said, “Is it time to go?”

  “Soon. Cook made us a pot of oatmeal. Go and eat breakfast before we leave. Everything looks better with a full stomach.” He patted his.

  “Odd’s philosophy on life?”

  He smiled. “Is there any other?”

  “Not worth listening to, I’m sure.”

  “Damn straight.”

  After consuming a bowl of steaming oatmeal, I gathered my pack and joined the monkeys, Flea, and the odd squad outside the cave. The coming dawn turned the eastern sky a charcoal gray. Odd signaled and, without a word, we headed northwest to the rendezvous point.

  My thoughts returned to my dream. Had Tohon released the plague as a form of biological warfare, or was it just me thinking devious thoughts? The only reason Tohon’s efforts to become king of all the realms had any chance of succeeding was because of the plague. Did it matter if he’d caused it or not? That knowledge couldn’t change the past, and everyone already knew he was a monster. Why couldn’t he try what Jael did and marry into the position? If the plague hadn’t killed Estrid’s son, Stanslov, it would have worked for Jael.

  I returned to Tohon. Would he create a second form of the plague to use later? Kerrick had said one of Tohon’s spies had attacked Ryne before he fell ill. The assassin had wrapped his hands around the prince’s throat. And Yuri’s encounter with the enemy had resulted in a gash on his neck. Did that mean the attackers were sick, too? They had killed the man who’d touched Ryne, but Yuri’s opponent might still be alive. Doubtful I could find him, though.

  Another devious thought struck. What if Sepp already knew that those who died from the plague were immune to the Death Lily toxin? What if he and Cellina had purposely released another form of the plague so they could create dead soldiers resistant to Ryne’s best defense? Blow darts filled with toxin had been the most effective in neutralizing the dead soldiers who all wore neck protectors. A soldier had to be close to use the skull jab, which had less success.

  My thoughts churned as we traveled through the forest in silent mode. No one spoke and, when we stopped for the night, we ate cold rations because it was too dangerous to light a fire. Odd set up a watch schedule.

  Wrapped in my cloak, I curled up on the ground. Flea and the monkeys kept their distance from me as they’d done all day. I didn’t blame them. If I’d seen one of them awaken the dead, I’d be keeping out of reach, too.

  * * *

  We arrived at the rendezvous point late the next afternoon. The location was a mile south of Estrid’s manor house outside Zabin. A woman with short blond hair waited with two men. They wore civilian clothes, but their movements and body language pegged them as military.

  “I’m Drisana from Ronel Realm. You must be Avry.” The blonde woman held out her hand.

  Hearing the correct realm, I shook her hand. “Yes, I’m Avry.”

  Drisana wouldn’t let go. “Prove it.”

  “How?”

  “Prince Ryne says you have a powerful handshake.”

  Oh. I sent a small bit of magic into her fingers, zapping them.

  She clenched my hand harder, but otherwise her face showed no reaction. I increased the intensity.

  The muscles along her jaw tightened. “Impressive.” She released her grip.

  I pulled away and gestured to my companions, introducing them.

  She nodded. “Here’s the plan. My team will lead an attack on the enemy bivouacking in the fields near the manor house. It will draw the soldiers from the house. At that time your team will breach the manor, find High Priestess Estrid and her staff, revive them, and leave.”

  Her tone suggested it would be easy.

  “Where do we meet up after we rescue them?” Odd asked.

  “Your team will head straight east. Another squad will be waiting to escort the survivors to Prince Ryne. My team will go north so don’t wait for us,” Drisana said. “I’m also assigning an additional squad
to your team.”

  Odd nodded. “Good.”

  “What if we run into too many defenders inside the house?” Loren asked.

  “Save whoever you can and get the hell out. The High Priestess is the priority.”

  “What time?” I asked.

  “A few hours after midnight. Position your team near the manor. You’ll know when we attack. Get in and get out as fast as possible. Understand?”

  “Yes,” Odd and I said in unison.

  Odd glanced at me then turned to Drisana. “Captain, did Prince Ryne say who is going to lead our part of the mission?”

  She gave him a tight smile. “If you have to ask, then it’s not you, Sergeant.”

  Quain stifled a snicker.

  “My instructions from the prince indicated Healer Avry would take point. You’re familiar with the house. Correct?” she asked me.

  “Yes. Has anyone confirmed that Estrid and her staff are still in the ballroom?”

  “Our latest intel suggests they remain inside the house. As for their exact location... That’s harder to determine.”

  And that would be a no. “All right, where’s the other squad? Do they know how to go silent?”

  “I believe Sergeant Saul’s men had the training.”

  Odd and I grinned at each other.

  “Where is he?” I asked.

  “He said he’d meet you over by the rear entrance of the manor.”

  Perfect. “Thanks. Good luck.”

  “You, too.”

  “Let’s go,” I said to my team.

  We headed northeast, angling around to stay within the forest and to avoid being seen by anyone near or inside the house. As we drew closer, a few off notes sounded nearby. I stopped the team.

  “Come out, Saul,” I called. “You’re good, but not that good.”

  He stepped from behind a thick tree trunk. “I didn’t want to startle you.” Saul wore camouflaged fatigues. With his buzzed blond hair and blue eyes, he appeared to be Drisana’s slightly older brother.

  “Yeah, right,” Odd teased.

  Saul’s gaze swept my companions. “Nice to see so many familiar faces.”

  “And we’re back in familiar territory,” I said.

  “At least we’re not trapped by the dead,” Odd said.

  “Yet,” Flea added, meeting my gaze for the first time in days.

  Lovely. I needed to have a little chat with Flea before the mission. Focusing on the matter at hand, I asked Saul, “Where’s the rest of your squad?”

  “A little farther north. I figured you’d remembered that back entrance.”

  Hard to forget. I’d used it to escape Tohon. “Any activity?”

  “Nope. Been quiet all day.”

  I glanced at the darkening sky. “Let’s go over the plan and get into position before it’s full dark.”

  “What’s there to plan?” Odd asked. “It’s a straightforward mission.”

  “Uh-huh. And what happens when we reach the ballroom and no one is there?” I asked.

  “We search the rest of the house.”

  “All of us together? Or do we split up and search different areas?”

  “Oh.”

  “And what if we’re attacked? Do we stay and fight or retreat?”

  “Gee, Avry, you sound more like a general than a healer,” Odd grumbled.

  “I was a healer on the run for three years. I’ve learned the hard way to have plenty of backup plans.”

  “All right, you made your point. What are the contingency plans?” Odd asked.

  I told him. He wasn’t happy about a few of them, but since I was in charge, he couldn’t do anything about it. Once the team understood, they moved to their positions to wait for the signal. I pulled Flea aside before he joined the monkeys.

  He shook off my hand and stared at the ground.

  “Flea, we need to talk.”

  No response, but he didn’t turn away.

  “You’re going to need my energy to break the stasis trapping Estrid and the others.”

  His gaze snapped to mine. “What if I don’t want to free them? No one asked me.”

  “Didn’t Ryne discuss—”

  “No, he just assumed I’d do it.”

  “Then why didn’t you say something sooner?”

  “’Cause I’m gonna do it. It’s important. It’s just... I don’t want to use my powers. Look at what you did to Yuri with yours. It’s horrible. I hate magic.”

  Flea had rotten timing. “I understand. I’m hating it, too, right now. But let’s just get through this mission, and we’ll talk it through, okay?”

  “There won’t be anything to discuss. Once this mission is complete, I’m done using magic.”

  “It is your choice, Flea. Let’s hope Sepp lied when he claimed he’d put Belen into a magical stasis.”

  “I’d wake Belen.”

  “Why?”

  “He’s my friend.”

  “Oh, so you’ll help your friends but not the strangers who also need you?”

  “Yes,” Flea said with a belligerent tone.

  “Hmm. Maybe I should do the same thing. I’d have more energy and not as many scars. Except...”

  Flea refused to take the bait. He kept his sullen expression.

  “Except, Poppa Bear would be disappointed in me, and I’d have a hard time sleeping at night, so I guess I’m stuck helping everyone.” I shrugged. “Anyway, for this mission, you’ll need me to share my energy with you. Will you be able to?”

  “Yes. Is that all?”

  I studied Flea, hoping this new attitude was just his way of dealing with his magic. Eventually, he’d accept it. Unless my mistake with Yuri had scared him away from using his magic for good. Yet another consequence of my actions.

  “Yeah, we’re done. For now,” I said.

  * * *

  Perched on a low limb of a maple tree, I peered at the dark manor house. No lanterns glowed in any of the rooms facing our direction. A good sign. Bursts of laughter from the soldiers’ camp floated on the chilly air. Other noises reached us as well, but none indicated distress. The moonlight cast shadows on the ground. At three-quarters full, it provided almost too much illumination for my comfort.

  I traced the limb’s bark with a finger. No magic hummed under my touch. Sadness filled me. How long should I wait and hope? Would I turn angry and bitter as years passed without any news of Kerrick? Or would I wall off my emotions? Actually, that last one sounded appealing. No grief, no guilt, no fear, and no worries. I hadn’t been without at least one of them since the plague started six years ago. Of course, the wall would block joy, happiness, and love. Not like there was a lot of that going on right now, anyway. And the future...looked bleak to me.

  A shout jolted me from my depressing thoughts. More yells and the rasp of metal followed. Clangs, curses, and thuds meant the other team had engaged the enemy.

  We waited a little longer before my small team dashed across the open lawn. I reached the door first. Locked. Loren yanked out his lock picks, while Quain and Flea protected our backs.

  “Damn, this has seven pins,” Loren muttered.

  “Do you need Quain’s lightning juice?” I asked.

  “No. This is almost... There.” The tumbler turned. Loren pushed the door open and checked for guards before motioning the all clear.

  Once we were inside, Odd and his squad crossed to the manor, and then Saul’s men followed in the third wave. From this point on, we would use hand signals to communicate. Saul and his squad would keep our exit clear as we infiltrated the house. Odd’s squad stayed with me, the monkeys, and Flea. We headed to the second-floor ballroom.

  I took them up the back stairs. Cracking the door open, I listened
. No sounds echoed off the marble-tiled floors. We eased into the hallway. No one had lit the sconces. Darkness lined the gaps under the doors. The area appeared deserted. And smelled of dust.

  We reached the ballroom without trouble. The large double glass doors had been closed, but not locked. In the ballroom, moonlight streamed through the long windows like white gauzy curtains. Motionless bodies littered the ground.

  Odd’s squad moved in first in case of an ambush. He opened the doors, pushing them wide before they rushed in. They checked the other doors before signaling the all clear.

  Women dressed in gowns and men wearing evening clothes lay in a haphazard pattern on the floor. Large crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling, but otherwise the place was empty.

  The monkeys and Flea fanned out to check the victims and search for Estrid. The High Priestess had worn a red silk gown with gold brocade when she had pledged loyalty to Tohon before Sepp had trapped her and her staff in magical stases. Flea would save her first.

  Odd raised his hand, waving me over. He stood next to a woman in red.

  Estrid? I moved closer.

  The prone bodies surged to their feet.

  KERRICK

  Even camouflaged by Kerrick’s forest magic, Harper still remained a big noisy horse. While they traveled twice as fast as Kerrick could on foot, they attracted too much attention. A few patrols already tracked him and soon he’d be too close to Zabin to ride.

  He stayed on horseback as long as he dared, releasing Harper late on the second day. Unfortunately, he still had to cover five miles and would miss the rendezvous time by hours. Kerrick hoped they planned to attack during the night or tomorrow morning as he headed south. As long as he caught up to Avry at some point, he’d be happy.

  Dodging enemy patrols slowed his pace. And their numbers grew as he neared the city. He stopped for a rest and considered. Ryne had said Cellina pulled most of her forces to Vyg in order to lure him to Zabin and attack his flank. Did his scouts underestimate how many soldiers had remained?

  With his new and improved senses, he felt whole companies moving through the forest. Way too many for Ryne’s small forces to handle. Somehow Cellina had managed to trick the scout. Or the scout was one of Cellina’s spies. He remained too far away to sense if any of Cellina’s troops waited south of Zabin.