Taste Of Darkness

“Here’s a map. I’ve marked where you, Flea, the monkeys, and the odd squad need to rendezvous with the rest of the team.”

Odd moved closer to study the markings. “When?”

“Twelve days,” Ryne answered. “That’ll give you enough time to travel to the infirmary, check patients, and get to the rendezvous location.”

“I thought you were worried about time,” Odd said.

“My squads are on foot. If I had enough horses for everyone, it’d be different. But the same goes for Cellina, and I hope by the time the news reaches her and she adjusts her strategy, we’ll be there and gone.”

I calculated. We’d have to give Zabin a wide berth as we headed south—familiar territory for me, and I’d have at least three days with my patients. “Twelve days works for me. What about Jael?”

“What about her?” Ryne asked.

“Last time I saw her, she was in that area. She could be holed up in Grzebien.” I’d no desire to run into the air magician.

“My intelligence agents report she’s headed toward Dina.”

Dina was one of Tobory Realm’s major cities. A little too close for comfort, but better than in Pomyt.

“Okay. What if we’re delayed? What’s the contingency plan?” I asked.

Ryne tapped the map. “Second rendezvous point for day fourteen. If you don’t arrive there, then the mission is cancelled until we can regroup. Details about the mission will be given to you when you meet up with the team. Captain Drisana will be in charge.”

“How will I know it’s her and not one of Cellina’s spies?” I asked.

Odd nodded. Wynn’s betrayal remained a raw spot in our hearts.

“Ask her what realm she’s from. If she doesn’t answer Ronel Realm, then it’s not Drisana.”

Ronel was the dangerous sea east of the Fifteen Realms. It made sense not to use a real realm, as a person had a one-in-fifteen chance of guessing it right.

“And you trust this Drisana?” I asked.

“Oh, yes, she’s been with me since before the plague. Just follow her orders and the mission should go smoothly.”

Odd huffed. “Follow orders? You do remember who you’re talking to.” He jerked his thumb toward me.

“Hey.” I batted Odd’s hand away.

“Do I need to provide examples?” Odd asked. “I’ve several.”

“No need,” Ryne said drily. “I’m well aware of Avry’s...uh...unpredictability.”

“Good save,” Odd said.

“I’m sure he learned that in school,” I said, matching Ryne’s dry tone.

“You’re right. It’s one of the four Ds we studied.”

“Four Ds?” I couldn’t resist asking.

“Diplomacy, defense, deception, and disinformation.”

“Ah. And which D were you referring to?”

Ryne handed me the map. “I’ll let you figure that one out. You’re a smart girl.” He left.

* * *

Just as I feared, a flood of memories assaulted me as soon as I entered the cave near Grzebien. Outside this cave, Kerrick had taught me how to move silently in the forest, and we had all played a fun game of hide-and-seek to test my new skills. I’d boasted of being Queen Seeker and Kerrick had tried to trick me by hiding in a tree. But I’d sniffed him out, following his wonderful scent of spring sunshine and living green.

I wondered if the painted targets were still visible on the trunks from when Belen had shown me how to throw a knife with accuracy and heat. I’d learned survival skills, and after three years of searching for information, I’d discovered my sister, Noelle, had survived the plague and been conscripted into Estrid’s holy army.

And it all had happened only three seasons ago. So much had transpired since then it just amazed me.

I checked on the patients. The move had gone well and no one with major injuries had arrived during the transition. All were settling down for the night.

When I joined the boys, I didn’t need to say a word. Flea and the monkeys’ expressions of sad acknowledgment spoke volumes. We huddled together around the communal campfire and exchanged information. I told them about my adventures at HQ.

“I’m not surprised she’s being aggressive,” Loren said. “I think Cellina’s been planning to take control of Tohon’s army from the beginning. Tohon didn’t know about her sister, did he?”

“No, and Wynn claimed she hated him, and Cellina did sic her pack of dead ufas on Tohon,” I said.

Talking until midnight, we batted a few ideas around, but no one had any more insight into Cellina’s plans. Tired from seven days on the road, I spread my bedroll near Flea’s.

“Can I talk to you in private?” Flea asked in a whisper.

“Sure.” We moved away from the fire.

“There’s a patient I’ve separated from the rest,” he said.

“Why?” Flea’s serious tone scared me more than the secrecy.

“There’s something wrong with him.”

“You should have told me right away. Where is he?” I demanded.

“He’s not critical. He’s in another cavern. It’s just...”

“What? Flea, spit it out.”

“I think he has the plague.”

KERRICK

Kerrick didn’t know how long he lay on the forest floor. Energy returned to him in small frustrating increments. He’d only been gone from the forest for a few minutes and it had sapped all his strength and magic. Which was the opposite of how his magic worked before he’d gotten sick. Now he needed to use his power to leave the forest and to turn his skin back to its original tan color.

You are of the forest, the living green had said to him. Alive like trees and plants.

Those words scared him. Did they mean he was confined to the forest, rooted there like the trees? Was that the price for his life? He hoped not. Perhaps he just needed to regain his strength. After all, he’d been unconscious for weeks.

When he felt better, he pushed to his feet. Flea’s message had been terse. Bag in sticky pine. Kerrick smiled, remembering how Flea hated to get sap on his hands. Quain had teased him, saying that as an ex-thief Flea should be used to sticky fingers. The boy had stared at Quain through his long bangs and replied, “Who said I’m retired?”

Kerrick found his pack shoved into the bushy branches of a white pine tree. Needles stuck to the material, and a squirrel had chewed on the leather straps. Most of his clothing, along with his weapons, money pouch, and boots had been stuffed inside. Only one shirt was missing. His dadao sword had been wrapped in oiled skins and hung from a branch.

The setting sun had cooled the air. He dressed quickly, wrapping his short black cape around his shoulders. His clothes turned the colors of the forest as soon as he donned them. Handy. A quick check confirmed his lock picks remained in place. Flea had also included jerky, travel rations, and a note. Kerrick built a small fire. Gnawing on a piece of jerky, he read Flea’s letter.

Kerrick,

If you’re reading this, then me and the monkeys are wrong and, boy oh, boy, I’m going to be so happy to be wrong! We all believe you’re dead (again—you really need to communicate better if you’re not), so does Prince Ryne, but Avry refuses to accept it and I guess she’s right if you are indeed reading this.

A warmth spread throughout his chest. Avry had faith in him. Kerrick hoped she held on to it and hadn’t changed her mind. He hated to think he’d caused her any more pain.

Avry asked me to write this note. She’s gone with Sergeant Odd to Prince Ryne’s new HQ. I’ll write the location below in our old signals just in case this gets into enemy hands. Those raccoons can be devious when they want—ha-ha. Me and the monkeys are headed with the rest of the infirmary staff and patients to our new location (written below) where we’re supposed to meet up with Avry sometime.

I say ‘supposed to’ because you know Avry. She already disobeyed orders by searching for you after Prince Ryne called it off. And I wouldn’t be surprised if she decides to keep searching and not join us until she’s done. Plus Prince Ryne was really keen on her going to HQ so he might have a special mission for her there. She was all pissed off about it so he’ll have his hands full—ha-ha.

I really really hope you are reading this letter! I have this magic now and it’s awful. I don’t want it. Have you ever felt that way? Probably not since your forest magic is useful. There’s nothing useful about death.

Flea

Kerrick reread the letter. This time picking up on what Flea didn’t write. A friction between Ryne and Avry? Or an attraction? Jealousy flared for a moment before he squashed it. Avry refused to believe he died. That meant a lot. He returned to the note.

Was Flea a death magician now? Too many questions without answers. He read the locations and debated his next move. Travel to HQ or south to Grzebien? Ryne wouldn’t separate Avry from her patients if he didn’t have a good reason.

What would be the quickest route to Avry?

Through Ryne.

He finished his jerky and doused the fire. With his deeper connection to the forest, traveling in the dark wouldn’t require as much energy as before. One benefit to his new...what? Situation? Magic? Existence? Prison? Better than the alternative—death. And as Flea said: There’s nothing useful about death.

* * *

Two days later, Kerrick crouched at the edge of the forest, studying the activity around the town of Victibus. At first glance, the town resembled any other small town struggling to recover from the plague years. Yet small clues hinted that not all was as it seemed. No children ran through the streets. Everyone walked with a purpose and didn’t amble or gather in groups to chat.

A large factory attracted the most activity. Ryne’s HQ, no doubt, and it explained why he couldn’t detect either Ryne or Avry in the surrounding forest. During the last couple of days, he’d experimented with his range and discovered his ability to sense living creatures reached about five miles.

But right now Kerrick had to figure out how to reach Ryne. He didn’t have enough energy to go that far from the forest. But would Ryne believe him if he sent a note? No. Frustration boiled. Kerrick needed to find someone who recognized him and would take a message to Ryne.

It sounded easy enough, but only after checking every single patrol for three days did he see a familiar face around midafternoon. Too bad he couldn’t remember the guy’s name— just that he was a sergeant and had helped Avry escape from Tohon in Zabin. A prince in Kerrick’s opinion.

Kerrick rushed to intercept the squad. Not hard to do, but he scared them when he appeared without any warning. They yanked their swords out and formed ranks. At least he remembered to pull enough power to turn his skin, hair, and clothes normal.

He held his hands out, showing them he was unarmed. “Sorry, gentlemen, but I’m in need of assistance and don’t have time for niceties. I need you to take a message to Prince Ryne and Healer Avry.”

“And I need a vacation and a purse full of gold coins, but that ain’t gonna happen,” one of the men quipped.

Turning to the sergeant, he asked, “Surely you recognize me? I’m Prince Kerrick.” Ugh, he hated using his title. “I believe you were in the infirmary cave when I arrived with Avry, Loren, Quain, and Flea. Remember?”

“I also remember you disappeared and the major ruckus it caused. Why can’t you take the message to them yourself?” the sergeant asked.

Good question and one he’d prepared for. “I’m a forest mage and I am tracking a person of interest. If I leave now, I’ll lose him. Please ask them to come here. I need to talk to them both.” And hug one very tight.

The soldier who had spoken before glanced at the sergeant. “Do you want us to take him, Enric?”

“No. He’s legit. I’m not sure Healer Avry’s still here, but I’ll relay your message.”

“Thank you.”

The men continued on to HQ. Unable to keep still, Kerrick walked in circles. He didn’t need to remain in that exact location because as soon as Ryne or Avry entered the forest he’d know in a heartbeat.

Hours later, or so it felt, Ryne arrived. Not in the direction Kerrick’d been expecting, but from the opposite way. His life force popped up from seemingly nowhere. Strange. The prince had at least a dozen bodyguards with him. Considering he thought Kerrick was dead, he guessed he shouldn’t be insulted by the soldiers.

One person was missing. Avry. Worry flared.

When Ryne approached, Kerrick drew power to appear normal and then made noise before stepping out from the bushes. Tense bodies and expressions relaxed.

Ryne grinned and rushed him, grabbing him in a tight hug before pushing him away. “You bastard, where have you been?”

“Long story.”

“And why couldn’t you come inside?”

“Even longer story. I’ll tell you all about it, but first, where’s Avry?”

“She’s at the new infirmary site down near Grzebien.”

Disappointment stabbed deep.

“She’s going to be ecstatic.”

“I need to catch up to her.”

“Not until you explain what you’ve been up to.”

Every fiber of Kerrick’s being wanted to bolt. To leave Ryne without an explanation. The desire to catch up with Avry pulsed with each heartbeat. And despite Ryne’s entourage of guards, it’d be so easy to disappear.

CHAPTER 7

My heart skipped a few dozen beats. Did Flea just... “The plague? Are you sure?”

“At first, I thought he had an upset stomach. He couldn’t keep anything down, but now he has flu-like symptoms—aches, pains, fever, and that unmistakable oily sweat with the sugary rotten smell.” Flea’s nose crinkled.

Classic stage-two symptoms. Oh, no. “Is anyone else showing signs of the plague?”

“No, but I moved him so he doesn’t get anyone else sick.”

A good idea. “Where is he?”

“In the back, I’ll show you.” Flea grabbed a lantern and led me deeper into the cave system. “I thought everyone who survived was immune to the plague.”

“They are, but not every single person in the Fifteen Realms has been exposed to the disease. Ryne managed to go a number of years before getting sick.” When Tohon had sent an assassin to infect him. Except Ryne’s sister had been among the first wave of people to die from the plague. They’d been in Pomyt on a diplomatic mission. Why would he survive only to sicken later? And why hadn’t I thought of this before?

“In here.” Flea held up the light.

The soft yellow glow illuminated a tiny cavern. Lying on a cot in the center, a young man tossed and turned. He had kicked his blankets off. A sheen of sweat coated his face. As I approached him, my magic stirred from deep inside, signaling a familiar warning. I didn’t even need to examine him. He had the plague.

Fear pulsed as I remembered what I’d read about the spread of the plague. Not airborne. “Flea, did you touch him?”

“Of course. I helped him in here.” He peered at me in confusion.

“Did you have skin contact? Did some of his oily sweat rub off on your skin?”

“Yeah, I did my death touch on him because he wasn’t getting any better.” He paled. “Am I going to get the plague, too?”

“How do you feel?”

“Queasy.” He sank to the ground.

Which could just be the power of suggestion. I crouched next to him and pressed my fingers to the back of his hand. A recognizable vanilla-scented coolness pumped through him.

“Am I going to die?” His voice squeaked.

“No.”

He sagged against the cave’s wall. “Thank the creator!”

“You’ve been hanging out with Estrid’s soldiers too long.”

“Who should I thank, then?”

“The Peace Lilys. Their serum flows in your blood, protecting you.”

“Wow. That’s some powerful stuff.”

I agreed. It had saved mine and Flea’s life. Tohon used the serum to animate the dead. The serum and his life magic—I still hadn’t figured how the combination worked. As soon as I’d learned Death Lily toxin would eliminate his dead soldiers, I’d stopped thinking about it. Too much else going on.

“Did the patient encounter the enemy before he sickened?” I asked Flea.

“Yes. Private Yuri said his squad was ambushed. He was knocked out and when he woke he was alone. He had a cut on his neck, but was otherwise unharmed.”

Interesting. “Has the rest of his squad reported in?”

“No. They’re considered missing in action.”

Not good. As I stared at the sick patient, my thoughts returned to the puzzle of the Lilys. If this man died, his body would probably be rejected by the Peace Lilys because he had no magic. The Lilys only saved those with magic or the potential to wield it. There was a slim chance the patient had potential. If we brought his body to the Lily fast enough, it might work. But why wait until he died? We could transport him now. Except only Flea and I could be near him. I wouldn’t risk anyone else.

What if I brought the Peace Lily serum to him? It might accelerate his death like it had with me. He was going to die regardless. But it might work. It was worth a try.

Excited, I straightened. “No one else cares for this patient or even comes near him. Just us. Understand?”

“Yeah.”

“Good. You need to scrub your hands with soap and water before you leave this cavern every single time. Have you touched anyone else since checking him?”

Flea stood. “I don’t think so. I moved him this afternoon, and then you came.”

A bit of good news. “Stay here with him tonight. I’ll bring back a dose of fever powder to make him more comfortable before I leave.”

“Leave? Where are you going?”

“To find a Peace Lily.”

* * *

I debated between speed and safety. The man had a few more days until he experienced stage-three symptoms, and the monkeys would never forgive me if I left without them. Safety won. I fetched the fever powder, soap, and a water bucket for Flea before finding my friends. Despite the late hour, Loren and Quain hadn’t gone to sleep. They waited for me by the hearth.

“What’s going on?” Quain demanded.

“Is Flea all right?” Loren asked.

“He’s fine. There’s a very sick patient that needs care,” I said.

“So why all the secrecy?” Quain asked.

I lowered my voice. “He has the plague.”

“Flea!”

“Shh, Quain. Not Flea. The patient.”

Loren wilted and rubbed his face. “Not this again.”

“Not if I can help it.”

“The healers couldn’t stop it before,” Loren said. “And you’re not sacrificing your life again.”

“I’ve an idea.” I explained about the Peace Lily serum.

Quain jumped to his feet. “Let’s go.”

“What about Flea? Will he get sick, too?” Loren asked.

“No.” I smiled as they both accepted my answer without question. “Bring your packs, it might take us a couple days to find a Peace Lily.” The map wasn’t as accurate in this area and the Death Lily had only shown me its flowers.

“Should we clear it with someone?” Quain asked.

“I don’t need permission to take care of my patients.”

“And when Prince Ryne learns you left the infirmary with just us for protection, he’ll have a fit.” Loren rolled up his blanket.

“I don’t care.”

“Avry.” Loren gave me his don’t-be-stupid look. He usually aimed it at Quain, so I must be acting unreasonable.

“All right. I’ll talk to the person in charge of the infirmary’s security. Do you know—”

“Lieutenant Macon,” Odd said, joining us. He eyed our packs. “And I can guarantee he won’t let you leave with just two protectors.”

“We managed with just Hogan,” I challenged.

“And a dozen Lilys.”

True. And if we ran into an enemy patrol, I didn’t want Quain or Loren to be harmed or captured. Actually, I wanted them and Flea in a safe place like Alga Realm with Kerrick’s brother. But they’d just refuse.

“Wait here, I’ll talk to him.” Muttering under his breath, Odd strode away.

“Do we want to dash while Odd is distracting the L.T.?” Quain asked.

“Tempting, but Cellina is after Avry. And while we can easily handle a dozen...” Loren gave us a wry smile. “If she sent her dead-ufa pack after us, we’d be—”

“Snack food,” Quain finished.

Odd returned. “You can go as long as my squad goes with you. Let me guess, you want to leave now.”

“Yes.”

“I’ll go wake them up. This had better be important.”

“It is.”

Odd’s gaze met mine for a long moment. He nodded. “Give us a couple.”

While Odd roused his men, I consulted the Lily map. East would be the ideal direction to avoid any nasty encounters with the enemy. According to the map, a cluster of Lilys grew a day’s walk roughly northeast.

It seemed as if hours had passed before Odd and his squad were ready. I led them into the forest surrounding the cave. We all went silent and the odd squad practically melted into the darkness. A half-moon shone enough light so we didn’t stumble.

Odd stayed by my side. “Are you going to tell me what this is about?”

“It’s for a patient.”

“And it couldn’t wait for morning?”

“Yes, it could, but I like to bother everyone and drag them out of bed.”

“Okay, dumb question. Give me a break, I’m tired.”

“Sorry. Thank you for coming along.”

Odd grunted.

“I should warn you,” I said.

“This ought to be good.”

“You’re not going to get much sleep in the next two days. A man’s life is at stake.”

“Yeah, I figured. I’m not that tired. Lead on, boss lady.”

Boss lady? That was new. Was Odd being sarcastic? Or just being...well, Odd? He kept pace with me, moving with easy, graceful strides. No signs of tension. I relaxed.

No one said much as the sun rose and traveled across the sky. I spent most of the trip to the Peace Lilys mulling over a number of scenarios. If the Lily gave me its serum, should I inject it all? Or a portion? If the serum killed my patient, would my touch bring him back to life? What if the Lily refused? Tohon had harvested the serum using his life magic, stealing it from the Peace Lilys. Those he injected it into had remained dead, but the serum preserved their bodies, preventing them from decaying. One thing I did know, I wouldn’t steal from the Lily.

We reached the cluster of four Lilys a few hours after sunset. In the cooling air, I smelled the familiar scent of vanilla. None of them moved or hissed as I approached. They were all Peace Lilys.

This might be harder than I’d thought. The single time I’d communicated with a Peace Lily had been after Noelle died. I’d attacked the plant when it refused to save my sister. Remembering the vision of Tohon placing his hands on the base of the Peace Lily’s flower, I copied him. Smooth and thick, the white petal was cool under my palms.

Nothing happened.

I concentrated on why I needed its serum, forming a picture of the dying patient in my mind. Suddenly the petals parted and I lurched forward as my right hand disappeared into the heart of the plant.

Barbs circled my wrist, jabbing into my skin. Ice flowed into my arm, up my shoulder and stabbed into my head.

One only. Learn, it said.

Then it released me, expelling my hand. I fell back. Odd and Loren pulled me to my feet.

“Well?” Loren asked.

I relaxed my grip. A single grape-size blue ball rested in the center of my palm. Except for the smaller size and color, it resembled the Death Lily toxin’s sack—squishy and durable.

“That’s good, right?” Quain asked.

“I’m not sure.” Remembering the Lily’s words, I examined it. Learn what?

“When will you know?” Odd asked.

“When I see the results. Let’s go.”

“No can do,” Odd said. “My men are exhausted. We need a few hours of sleep or we’ll be stumbling into things and making a racket.”

I glanced around. His men had built a small campfire. A few huddled around it and a couple already snoozed nearby. Loren and Quain drooped with fatigue, too, but they’d never admit it.

“All right. Four hours max. You can sleep as long as you like when we return.”