Chapter 13: Memory and Foreboding

"Let's face it, your Majesty," said Kodelle quietly. "We have tried everything possible and some things that aren't. But we cannot stop Wazn from melting."

Xelha's normally pale face looked even whiter than usual, and her eyes were despairing. She closed them.

"Xelha." She opened them again at the voice, looking into Kalas' face. He gave her a gentle look as his hand brushed her cheek.

"You've done all you can. You gave everyone enough warning. Don't… don't tear yourself apart over it."

She sighed. "…I know. But this is my home. Most of the memories of my life are here. I'm not blaming anyone. But… it's hard to leave your childhood behind."

A look of pain crossed Kalas' face. "I know." In his mind's eye flashed a young golden-haired boy, an aged, kindly man… and the flames that consumed them.

Around them, Wazn no longer looked like the mystical, glittering land it once was. They could no longer live in Kaffaljidhma; the palace made completely of ice was melting, enough that chunks of the floor and roof had given way, and windows were made in walls never meant to have them. Most of the citizens of Cursa, its only city, had already evacuated out of homes unable to keep their form. Where they stood now was the Ice Cliffs of Gomeisa, no longer deserving of their name. The howling winds had long since ceased to blow, and they stood upon rock exposed from its blanket of snow. Beneath them, waves crashed against the island.

"When Cursa melts entirely, there will be nowhere to live on the island," sighed Xelha. "Gomeisa is too rocky, and too close to the sea. We couldn't build anything here."

"What was it that made Wazn the way it was?" asked Kalas. "It was never supported by the End Magnus."

"Nevertheless, a divine power kept Wazn aloft and frozen," said Glamyss. The three witches stood with the two of them on the cliff. "The Ocean itself."

They turned to look at her in surprise. "How?" asked Xelha.

"My Queen, you protected the Ocean for so long because you were bound to this land. The ice is water, the water is the Ocean. And now it is returning home."

The word home echoed in Xelha's ears, mocking her. "Returning home… and destroying home." An unexpected anger rose in her. "How can this be it? How can there be nothing left to do?"

"Queen Xelha, we have tried—" began Glamyss.

"Not… not hard enough!" She turned away from the group before they could see the tears that sprang rapidly to her eyes, and walked away.

Kalas started after her, but Catranne held him back. "Let the Queen be," she said softly. "She is losing so much."

Kalas bit his lower lip. He knew how she felt, and yet… at least Mira still existed, for him. But any home, any real home, had disappeared for him, the night the flames lit the sky.

Xelha's tears had gone by the time she had approached Cursa. But she could not keep the anguish from her eyes as she looked about a once-beautiful town.

Her feet splashed through small puddles of water that had once reflected the sky in sheets of ice. Around her, houses had sagged into unrecognizable shapes, or revealed foundations that stood like skeletons against a bleak sky.

Another splashing caught her attention, and she looked in its direction. She recognized the sculptor of Cursa, a chisel absently held still in one hand, heading towards her. The pain in his eyes reflected her own.

"Queen Xelha… I'm so sorry you have to see it… have to see us like this," he said softly.

She laid a gentle hand on his shoulder. "Why are you still here?"

He gave a kind of futile smile. "There's no other place in this world to get the snow I need to sculpt. I know it's silly, Your Majesty, but… I keep hoping I can find some more, just a little more, to take with me. To make one last piece before… I call myself sculptor no longer."

Xelha felt the tears in her eyes again, and looked up to the sky to keep them from spilling over. "I'm so sorry… sculpting is your life."

"Yes, my Queen. Yes it is." He gave a bow, and moved away.

As she walked the length of Cursa, she could see the last signs of life in the city. The shopkeeper walked to and fro, loading a small sled with bags. How the shopkeeper would get the sled across snowless rock and water, Xelha couldn't think.

A child held her mother's hand on the edge of the city, pointing to a tiny lump of snow. Xelha only caught the words, "…snowman was the best!" that the sea breeze blew towards her.

A few guards stood at the former entrance to Kaffaljidhma. Behind them, Xelha could see the remains of an entryway, and gaping holes in the steps that had led up to the palace. Through former walls, she could see pieces of the sky when she looked up.

"My Queen?" came a hesitant voice from behind her. She turned to see a woman, still dressed in the heavy Wazn garb of colder times.

"Oh," said Xelha in recognition. "You are Leon's wife."

She gave a sad smile and nodded. "My Queen… I know. This… is so hard. We have all lost loved ones. We have all lost our home. But we have not lost everything."

Xelha bowed her head, trying to fight a crushing despair that had been threatening since the first news had been brought to her. "What is there left?"

"Why, you, my Queen. And the rest of us who lived in Wazn… and the memories we carry always."

Xelha looked up. The woman was holding a pendant, one that Xelha knew well, one that she had carried for a long time. The shock of her guardians' death returned at the sight, magnified by the other deaths and losses that she had known since then, so much that she nearly staggered back and cried aloud. But the woman didn't notice, or perhaps she did and it didn't matter, because a gentle smile came across her face as her fingers closed around the memory.

And the torment passed as it had come; although Xelha could still feel the pain, the ropes it had tied between her and the land snapped.

She laid her hand over the woman's closed one. "We… carry the memories… always."

Leon's wife kissed her hand, bowed, and walked away. Xelha stood for a long time, looking no longer around at the shell of Cursa, but at the sky. The open sky that held so much pain… and promise.

She did not give another glance to the town as she left. She did not want to remember it this way. She wanted to remember the way it was before, the way it would be always.

The witches and Kalas were still standing where she had left them some time ago, conferring in low tones. They all looked up instantly as she came into sight, and Kalas came towards her anxiously.

The tears came again, but she did not try to stop them, and she let him hold her close.

"I understand, at least," she whispered into his ear. "Although… I hate it with everything…"

Kalas stroked her hair.

"This is… my final duty as the Queen of Wazn," she murmured. "Why they brought me back… to carry Wazn in my memories. Then I can no longer live as Queen. But I might… I might be able to live as Xelha."

She pulled apart from Kalas. The three witches nodded in silence.

Grasping Kalas' hand gently, the former Queen stared out to sea, a sea that would soon rise to cover them.

Savyna awoke with a familiar metallic taste in her mouth. She spat out blood.

Instinctively, she reached out to wipe her mouth with the back of her hand, but her wrist snagged. She looked and found herself manacled to the wall.

Not terribly imaginative, she thought to herself. There was only one window, but through it she could faintly hear the ocean. It let in a small square of sunlight. The walls were made of a plain stone that could have come from anywhere. I'm near shore, at least. There's a good possibility of hiding or escaping… if I get out of here. She tested her shackles carefully while she replayed the events that had gotten her here.

The assassin Fineta had been let loose. Ikari had led her there – he must have some part in it, him and who knew how many others.

That would explain the Silent Wings' access to Imperial arms from the Fortress, she concluded. And why it has been so easy for them to access Lyude. On that thought, another worry surfaced. If they've made a move for me, it won't be long before they have him too.

Her chains did not give, and they were tight enough that she could not slip out of them. Not that I expected to. Looking around, her cell was completely bare. The only door, a rectangle of steel, had no window or handle.

She would have to wait.

She leaned back against the wall and closed her eyes. She looked asleep, but the rest of her senses were on high alert.

She didn't know how long she waited. Focused as she was on listening and feeling the slightest change, she had no sense of time. But she could feel the square of light move across her legs and vanish as the sun rose high in the sky, away from the window.

After some time, she heard faint footsteps outside of her room. The door opened silently – she guessed oiled hinges – but she could feel the puff of new air from the outside hit her. There was a pause. Cautiously, she cracked her eyes.

Two people, one taller than the other, stood in the doorway looking at her. They were both shrouded in gray robes from head to toe, so she could make our nothing of their features. Not even their footwear gave them away – they were barefoot.

Interesting, she noted. They've been well-trained in the art of deception… and what military captives look for in their captors.

Her kidnappers did nothing, and after a while they shut the door again. Their bare feet made little noise, and she soon lost the sound.

They were not going to kill her, at least, for the time being. It would have been easier before, in the cell. No, they wanted her for something. But what? They had tried to kill her before. Something had made them change their plans.

All she could do was wait.

"She'll be too easily able to deduce who we are," said one of the hooded figures to the other when they were well out of earshot of the cell. "All we need to do is keep her here, until we get the others."

"Why the change in plans, my Lord?" asked the shorter of the two figures, anger restrained in its voice. "You first sent me to kill her."

"The final plan has not been changed," said the other thoughtfully. "I have simply pushed it back. To be truly effective, we need them all here, at once."

"They'll unite. We won't be able to fight them all," the shorter said bluntly. "That's too much of a risk."

"Who are you to talk about risks?" the taller snapped, rounding on its companion. "You are fortunate to still be alive, after having gotten captured and revealing your identity."

Michelle Fineta shook her hood away from her face, eyes blazing to match her fiery pink hair. She clenched her jaw so tightly it seemed something would break. But she said nothing.

The other hooded figure laughed softly after a moment. "Well, it seems you have learned some control. But remember your place." The tone grew calm, contemplative. "A chain such as theirs is as strong as its weakest link. And if what my sources tell me is true… the link is weak, indeed."

Fineta looked at her master, a frown creasing her face. But as he seemed unforthcoming, she shrugged.

"As long as I get to kill her." There was no question who Fineta meant.

"That may be arranged," replied the other, amused. "Come. The rest of the pieces are falling into place. Soon… we will atone for our sins. The balance will be restored…"

"Are you telling me a single prisoner managed to escape with Savyna through not only you but also security on four other floors?" Lyude was standing outside the empty cell, staring in disbelief at Ikari.

The dour-faced commander had a bandage over one eye, and his arm was in a sling. "She was not alone, Speaker. The guards themselves were killed, and I was fortunate enough to escape with my life. There were five others, at least, that I glimpsed during the fight. Once they got Lady Death to the exit, they let me go."

"Don't call her that," said Lyude automatically. "She no longer uses that title."

Ikari's face remained neutral. He continued, "I was the only survivor."

"Yes… the only one." Lyude pressed his hand briefly to his eyes. All of his instincts were screaming at him, calling Ikari's lies. Of course the commander was lying. He was probably involved in the kidnapping – being the only witness was too convenient. And the security cameras had been deftly shut off. It was too dangerous to keep Ikari around.

But he had absolutely no proof.

"Please see to the funeral arrangements of the soldiers," he said at last, sighing. "Their families, if they have any, should be notified, and their belongings taken care of."

The look on Ikari's face said that he knew already. But with a stiff salute, the commander took his leave and strode past the young Speaker towards the elevators. Lyude remained gazing into the empty cell.

A cackle sounded from behind him, and he turned to see Folon casually blocking Ikari's path. "Hey, com, watch where you're going!"

The commander's back was rigid as he replied, "You're in my way."

Folon reached out and tweaked his nose sharply. "I don't hear a 'sir' from you, com. As I recall, I outrank you."

Despite everything, Lyude found himself trying hard not to laugh at Ikari's quivering shoulders. With a "yes, sir," from the commander that sounded as though Ikari were choking on a Fantail Duck egg, Folon looked him over seriously. There was silence.

At last, Ikari dragged out, "Sorry… sir. May… I… pass?"

Folon leaned in so closely they were almost touching, then just as suddenly stepped aside with a dramatic flourish. "Of course, good commander!" He sauntered over to Lyude's side as the other left. He whispered loudly, "Traitor extraordinaire!"

Lyude winced at hearing nearly the same words that had been directed at him some time ago. But Ikari, fortunately, did not hear.

"So, do we send him with me on a Hot Rock gathering expedition to the Lava Caves?" Folon asked innocently. "My, but Ikari is clumsy. There would be nothing for me to do to save him if he fell into a patch of hot lava by accident."

Lyude gave his subordinate a look. He didn't want to admit to being even vaguely tempted.

"All right, all right, nothing official." Folon winked salaciously. "Ayme and I are creative enough without your orders."

Lyude opened his mouth to argue against killing off anyone they didn't like, but, knowing Folon, switched tactics. "If we kill him now, we'll never know anything further about the Silent Wings."

Folon considered. "True. …So you think he's with them?"

Lyude grimaced. "I don't know. But this latest turn of events… has me unsettled, to say the least."

Folon snickered. "That's an understatement."

The Speaker abruptly changed topics. "Did you want me for something when you came?"

"No, but I never pass up a chance to annoy the com." He paused a moment, gauging Lyude's reaction, then continued more seriously. "Actually, I'm supposed to tell you that Mintaka's evacuation is complete. All citizens are living either in Azha, the Fortress temporarily, or moved to other islands where they have some family."

"How are the Azhans dealing with the refugees?" Lyude frowned. "I know the animosity between the two has only recently started on the path to reconciliation."

Folon shrugged. "That's all I know."

After considering for a while, Lyude said, "I think then that I should pay a visit to the village, to make sure everyone's all right."

"We'll be your guard," offered Folon.

And Skeed. "Skeed, too, will come," added Lyude. "But first…" He looked back into the empty cell. "We'll contact the other islands to make sure Kalas, Xelha, Gibari or Mizuti haven't been targeted as well. And we'll put our investigators on this."

The two left the empty hall, their footsteps ringing in the blank silence.

A dark figure stole along the shadows of the room. Its occupant lay asleep in the bed, eyes darting back and forth behind closed lids.

Silently, it crept up to the bed, a single Magnus held in one hand. The figure stretched out its other arm over the sleeper's hand that lay outstretched upon the bedsheets. A gold ring, glittering with a small opal, rested on one finger.

Holding its breath, the intruder gently eased the ring off the sleeper's finger. As the ring was almost off, the man on the bed shifted. The figure froze.

After a tense moment, the figure finished slipping the ring off, and pocketed it. It raised the Magnus, and out of the card came another ring, identical to the one it had stolen. Quickly it replaced the missing ring.

The man rolled over. The hooded shadow vanished in an instant.

Suddenly he opened his eyes and sat up, scanning the room intently. Peer as he might into the shadows, he saw nothing there.

Absently, Skeed twisted the ring on his finger. It must have been a dream. He looked at the time, then raised his hand to his lips.

"Time to fly," he whispered. "Make sure no one sees you. Come back before dawn. Sleep and forget everything you did."

Vallye would be observing tonight. Satisfied, Skeed lay down and went back to sleep.

"What? Gone?" Gibari roared. Ladekahn nodded gravely.

"I received word from Speaker Lyude just now," the white-haired king explained. "The assassin escaped, taking Savyna with her and killing her guards. Only one witness survived, and he says she was helped."

"Damn! Silent Wings! Bastards!" Gibari swore. "Sir, if you'll give me leave…"

Ladekahn looked pained. "Gibari… I know how it must feel. But we fear for your own safety. If you go to Alfard, where Speaker Lyude has been ambushed on several occasions—"

"All the more reason for me to go there," the fisherman interrupted loudly. "If they can get Savyna, who ain't an easy catch, you can be bettin' that Lyude won't be far behind."

Ladekahn was about to argue further, but just then one of his guards entered. "Your Majesty!"

"What is it?"

"The Speaker requests Gibari's presence," said the Knight respectfully. "He said he needed help in the investigation."

"There you have it," Gibari grunted.

Ladekahn looked deeply displeased still. The fisherman said quickly, "C'mon, sire, there's nothin' else for me to do here. We got Nashira evacuated and the repairs to Castle Elnath are well under control. The kid needs me."

The king sighed. "Please, Gibari… be careful."

"Aren't I always?" The big man grinned. "You can count on me, Your Majesty."

Ladekahn nodded gravely, and the fisherman turned to leave. As he watched Gibari's retreating back, he could not help the feeling of foreboding that settled on his heart.

"The water be quite high already," Mizuti dipped a toe into the water lapping gently at the edge of the path. "But the Great Mizuti does not think the rest of Duhr be in danger."

Kee nodded. He had been the one to tell Mizuti that.

"Mizuti, we gotta go see the Great Kamroh, remember?" he said.

"The Great Mizuti never forgets," she said lightly. "But the Great Mizuti knows the Great Kamroh be very busy. We be giving him some time. That's all. Just a little."

Kee rolled his eyes. "We're going to have to work at some point, Mizuti."

Mizuti turned the full force of her gaze on her friend. "Be you accusing the Great Mizuti of dodging work?"

"N-no, Mizuti, I just—"

"The Great Mizuti be perfectly aware of work. The Great Mizuti does not dodge work. Never. Only when there be more important things." She abruptly turned back towards Gemma Village. "Come, Kee. The Great Kamroh be waiting."

Kee sighed as he followed his friend's quick departure. It was useless to argue with her, he knew. And yet her most aggravating characteristics were why he liked her.

They reached Gemma, and Mizuti headed up the steps without any further ado.

"The Great Kamroh has been waiting," said one of the village guards pointedly as they came to the entrance of the village leader's dwelling.

"We be just arrived," said Mizuti briskly. "Let us in."

Muttering something about the Great Kamroh's request being sent some time ago, the guard let them pass. Mizuti and Kee headed into the inner chamber.

"Good to finally see the both of you," Kamroh's voice was laced with amusement as they approached his seat.

"Great Kamroh, the Great Mizuti was helping out elsewhere," said Mizuti respectfully. "It be an honor to be summoned. A pleasure. A treat."

"I see." Kamroh looked sternly over both of them. Then he said gravely, "I am very glad to see you safe. We heard of the assassination attempts, and it is no laughing matter."

Mizuti shrugged modestly. "They be no match for the Great Mizuti… and Kee," she added. Kee beamed.

"I see that," Kamroh noted wryly. "But I fear the Silent Wings intend greater evil than just your deaths. The pattern is ominous. If they succeed in their endeavors, a great crisis might repeat itself."

"The Great Kamroh means… the revival of Malpercio?" Mizuti scoffed. "He be dead. Long gone. No threat now."

"So you say. And yet… my heart fears otherwise." Kamroh steepled his fingers as he gazed at the two. "Mizuti… I do not believe it chance that you are the most powerful wizard born since our ancestors sealed away the evil god. One might almost say a reincarnation of the wizards of old."

Mizuti shifted uncomfortably, but for once said nothing.

Kamroh continued, "You have already played a great part, and may play a greater part still. That is why I hope you will be careful in dealing with the Silent Wings."

After a moment of silence, Mizuti and Kee nodded. "We promise," she said. As Kamroh continued looking at them, Mizuti asked, "Does the Great Kamroh need anything else?"

"Well… had you arrived earlier, I had reconstruction work to be done." The two shifted guiltily. "But… now your presence is requested in Alfard, Mizuti."

Surprised, Mizuti asked, "What needs Lyude?"

"Your friend Savyna was kidnapped. He requests your help in the investigation."

Instantly Mizuti was ablaze. "Kidnapped? The Silent Wings be getting to Savyna? The Great Mizuti does not stand for it! Never! Not to her friends!"

Kee also looked ready to take off. "We'll get 'em, Great Kamroh!"

Kamroh looked at the boy. "I'm sorry, Kee… but the invitation wasn't extended to you."

Kee stopped, surprised. Then slowly he hung his head. "Oh…"

Mizuti paused in her wrath, turning to her friend. "Don't worry, Kee. The Great Kamroh needs help, too. The Great Mizuti does not want the Silent Wings hurting Kee."

Kee stomped his foot. "It's always that way! Why can't I go with you? You can't do this alone!"

"Kee be doing things that the Great Mizuti cannot," said Mizuti gently. "Helping the Great Kamroh. Rebuilding Duhr. The Great Mizuti is only checking on a friend."

"But I'm… I'm your friend too," Kee protested quietly.

"And Kee does not need rescuing. This be a good thing."

At that a small smile touched Kee's face. "Heh… well…" He sighed. "Be careful, okay, Mizuti? If you don't come back, I'm coming after you!"

"The Great Mizuti makes a point of returning. Always. Never fear." She turned to Kamroh. "Be that all?"

Kamroh smiled faintly. "Yes, Mizuti. Stay well."

"Not a problem!" Mizuti turned and hugged Kee. Then she was off, charging down the steps and towards the new docks to take the next ship to Alfard.

Kamroh and Kee watched her go with identical expressions on their faces. Kamroh sighed.

"I almost wish you would go with her. You're one of the few who can keep her in line," he remarked.

Unexpectedly, Kee shook his head. "She'll be all right." He smiled sadly. "I know she will."