CHAPTER ONE

“Mystic Anali has arrived.”

“So soon?” Lord Lucian’s manservant shook his head sharply. “Show him to his
rooms and I will ready Lord Lucian. And please have some food sent up.”
The messenger bowed his head and turned on his heel.
Senda closed the heavy wooden doors to Lucian’s personal chambers. He padded to
the large fireplace and added more logs to throw off the early morning chill. The curtains
were dragged open to let in some sun. All this room had seen of late is the pale light of a
few tallow candles.
Senda moved to the wardrobe to find something fitting for his Lord to wear to greet
the Mystic. It wouldn’t do to have one of the most powerful men of Astra going to a
meeting with naught but his nightclothes.
The maroon doublet will do nicely. He laid out the clothing before knocking softly
on his Master’s bedchamber door. Not expecting an answer, Senda pushed the doors
open.
Lord Lucian lay in his enormous four-poster canopy bed. The tops of the posts bore
the carved likenesses of shadowcats. Their claws held the pale blue curtains in place.
Senda tried to hide the bitter disappointment as he gazed at the Lord. Why do I hide
it? He isn’t even aware I am here.
The once strong and powerful Lord had been reduced to a twitching, pale, skeletal
remnant of his former self. His decline had been rapid and frightening, his body
succumbing to the brain sickness. However, there was no cure for the disease, and none
of the potions or poultices seemed to bring him any relief. Lord Lucian’s faculties slipped
day by day until it was decided that his most trusted advisor, Lord Suasor, should take
over the running of the kingdom.
Lord Lucian’s wife had died in childbirth many months ago. He and Malorie had
been deeply in love. Her death snatched all of the light from his once merry grey eyes,
and weighed heavily on his shoulders. He managed to get through the tedious details of
running a kingdom but he took no joy in anything.
The smattering of Lords and Ladies who shared his island kingdom had tried to
subtly mention the need for an heir. Several widows positioned themselves at his elbow
day and night, trying to wheedle their way into a throne.
Lord Lucian would have none of it. He was polite, but distant, his tone and posture
speaking volumes to these old vultures. His heart and soul still belonged to Malorie. He
confided in Senda that he could still feel her spirit wandering the stone halls of the castle.
“How can I marry another when she is near?”
Senda had tried to get his Lord to see reason, but the man refused to hear any talk of
marriage.
“If something happens to me, Suasor will rule in my stead. He is a good man and
will treat you well.”

2
 Senda sighed as he stared at the mere shadow of the man he served. It broke his heart
to see him lying in the bed, eyes open and staring at nothing, a fine line of spittle hanging
from his open mouth. His breath rattled in his chest.
While he gave his Lord a quick cloth bath, a servant arrived with some boiled eggs,
bread, and cheese. Senda sent the man to bring Mystic Anali to the main audience
chamber. “Wait for a bit to give me time to get Lucian situated.”
“Yes, Senda.” The servant nodded and scurried off.
Senda dressed his Lord with as much dignity as he could muster. This man was still
the King of Lucian Island and would be until the day he stopped drawing breath. Senda
prayed to the good spirits that the day would be far off. The arrival of the Mystic gave
him hope, hope he dared not feel for quite some time.
He fetched the special chair the blacksmith constructed for Lucian when he could no
longer walk on his own. It had wheels, thus allowing someone to push the Lord wherever
he needed to go.
Senda could not say why he did not wish the Mystic to come examine Lucian in his
own bedchamber. He felt as though it would diminish the man somehow. Lord Lucian
never held audiences in his private quarters. He always chose to talk with people in the
main audience chamber.
He coaxed Lucian to his feet. The emaciated man was able to stand and walk a few
steps, as long as someone held his hand to lead him. Otherwise, his weakened muscles
would give out and he would stumble and fall.
Senda slowly pushed the chair down the dim hallway. There were no windows in this
part of the castle. Lord Lucian built his chambers against the face of the mountain with
only the one hallway leading in or out. His bedchamber would be where he and his
soldiers would make a final stand in the event that the castle was ever attacked.
There were no tapestries, and only a few torches in metal sconces along the wall. His
footspets and the squaking of the wheels echoed in the emptiness. Senda greeted the
guards. They addressed the servant rather than their Lord. Lucian’s condition made
everyone uncomfortable. No one seemed to know what to say.
The Mystic will make Lord Lucian strong again.
Senda has sent word for a Mystic when it was clear the local herb women were
unable to help. He had received word rather quickly that a Mystic residing in the
Forbidden Territories was available and would arrive within the week.
The servant was a little nervous about having someone from the Forbidden
Territories on the island. Everyone knew the people living there filled their bodies with
various drugs and poisons. It seemed as though anything that grew or lived in the swamp
was toxic or hallucinogenic in some way. The inhabitants sold their wares in many
villages and towns. The rare potions and dried herbs were worth their weight in gold and
anyone lucky enough to come across a merchant from the Forbidden Territories often
spent all the money they had to obtain the treasures.
Senda was relieved he arrived at the audience chamber before the Mystic. He pushed
Lucian next to the high-backed chair at the back of the room. It, too, was topped with
carvings of shadowcats and was carved of the very dark reddish-colored wood. Senda had
always thought it made the chair look as though it was covered in blood.

2
 He took his Lord’s hand and pulled him toward the chair. The man came quietly,
eyes vacant, mouth agape. His white hair stuck out in wisps around his gaunt face, giving
him the look of one who is dead, or close to it. Senda arranged his Lord’s robes and
placed his hands on the arms of the chair. He gently wiped a line of spittle from Lucian’s
face with a handkerchief. He is as Lordly as I can make him look.
When Mystic Anali entered the audience chamber, the air grew visibly more chill.
Senda frowned, then shook his head. The man is here to help.
Anali walked slowly, yet purposefully toward the chair where Lord Lucian sat
slumped to the side. The man stopped and lifted his hood, bowing before the Lord of the
island. The light from the torches reflected from his bald head.
“Welcome, Mystic Anali.”
The Mystic straightened, a slight smirk curling his lip. “I live only to serve. May I
examine him?”
Senda nodded and stepped to the side, allowing the Mystic to circle behind the chair.
Anali put his fingers on the side of Lucian’s neck, then he placed his fingers on the
Lord’s temples, closing his eyes and mumbling under his breath. He raised Lucian’s arms
and legs, pinched him in several places, nodding when the Lord would flinch or even cry
out.
“That is a good sign. The mind still has some function.”
“Can you help him?” Senda wished his voice hadn’t sounded so desperate.
“I can.”
Senda breathed a sigh of relief. “How soon can you get started? Is there any herbs or
potions you require? I shall send someone...”
Anali lifted his hand, shaking his head. “I said I could help. I never said I would.”
Senda opened and closed his mouth, incredulity and anger keeping him from blurting
out exactly what he wanted to say.
“Most people do not understand what is required of a Mystic to heal someone in this
condition. They tend to interfere, making my job impossible.”
“Lord Lucian will die if something isn’t done. We have exhausted all of our options.
If you can save him, then I beg you, please do so!”
Anali gazed hard at Senda. He nodded slowly. “Very well. But I warn you, any
interference, and I will leave. You can’t question my methods and you mustn’t tell
anyone else what you observe. Lord Lucian must be kept isolated during his treatment.
Only you and I will be allowed to see him.”
Senda nodded, willing to sell his own soul to the dark spirits to save his Lord. “I will
do as you say.”
“I must be close to the Lord. Please have my things transferred to Lucian’s
chambers.”
“As you wish.”
Anali stared hard at Senda, and cleared his throat.
Senda took the hint and left to see to moving Anali’s possessions into his Lord’s
chambers. Before he closed the door, he turned and felt that same chill as before. Anali
had his hands behind his back and was staring at Lucian, much like a butcher gazes at a
haunch of beef.
You agreed not to interfere.

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 As he made his way down the hall, he wondered if he had made the right decision in
sending for the Mystic.

2
 CHAPTER TWO
Senda tried to ignore the whispers of the servants as he made his way through the
kitchens. The sun had not yet risen, and the head cook, Neli, lit several beef tallow
candles to ward off the darkness. Most servants were bleary eyed, jaws creaking with the
force of their yawns. When they spotted Senda coming, they perked up, watching him as
he placed the components of the morning meal on a silver tray: teapot and three cups, a
plate with boiled eggs and mounds bacon, some sort of dish made with tubers fried with
small green onions and bits of ham, two loaves of bread, and a silver bowl with butter.
He left the kitchen, wishing to be away from the accusatory stares. He held his head
high as he walked briskly to Lucian’s quarters. Anali and Lucian would be wanting their
breakfast. The tray was heavy and Senda’s muscles began to fatigue. It’s no wonder!
There is enough food to feed five men!
Send did not know what Anali had been doing to Lucian but in a matter of days, the
man had life in his eyes again. As the days passed, the man’s appetite grew by leaps and
bounds. Anali said his healing body needed the extra nourishment..
Lucian became stronger, able to move without assistance, though he still couldn’t
speak. He couldn’t form sentences correctly, but Anali and Senda could make out what
the man wanted to convey. The Lord’s frustration was evident with every thrown goblet,
every scream of rage.
“Give it time, my Lord. You have been under the thumb of a deadly disease few live
through. You will have to learn how to speak again.” Anali would say after one of
Lucian’s temper tantrums.
The guard at Lucian’s chambers hurriedly pulled the doors open when he saw Senda
coming. Senda tried not to huff and puff as he breezed past the guard.
“Ah, breakfast has arrived, my Lord.” Anali sauntered into the solar, wearing a silk
robe in bright scarlet. His head gleamed, having just been freshly shaved.
Senda set the plates piled with food on the large table and prepared his Lord’s tea
just how he liked it: with a pinch of lemon and a tiny bit of sugar. Sugar was a precious
commodity and quite rare. Lord Lucian had a sweet tooth and people often brought him
the sweet confection in an attempt to gain his favor.
Lucian entered the solar, making sure to set his feet carefully before shifting his
weight. His muscles had yet to regain their former strength. But his face had that same
familiar predatory look Senda had grown to know and love. Lucian was a sharp adversary
when it came to treaties and battle. But Senda knew that under that steely facade was a
caring and just man.
Lucian had been given the island by Patriarch Laevanya as a joke. The Patriarch
meant it as an insult; Lucian took it as a challenge. Within a few short years, Lucian
changed the barren rocky island to a prosperous kingdom. His Lords and Ladies had
worked hard for Lucian, knowing full well the man would deliver on his promise to
shove the gift in Laevanya’s face.
“Smells good.”

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 Senda almost dropped his plate when he heard his Lord speak. Lucian grinned at his
fumbling manservant.
“My Lord! When did this happen?”
“Mystic Anali worked with me most of yesterday.” Lord Lucian spoke carefully,
almost as if he was thinking about each word before saying it aloud.
“He is making tremendous progress. Soon, he will be ready to begin assuming some
of his duties,” said Anali.
“Are you certain? Lord Suasor doesn’t mind...”
“Of course he doesn’t mind, you witless fool! The man has his eyes Lucian’s
throne.”
Senda was stunned. “The man has served Lucian well for many years. Besides, he
doesn’t have the soldiers to attempt to usurp the throne.” Senda met his Lord’s eyes,
hoping the man would set the Mystic straight.
“He will have the men if he joins with the other Lords on the island,” said Lucian
grimly.
Senda couldn’t believe Lucian thought Suasor wanted to assume leadership of the
island. The man had had many opportunities while Lucian had been too ill to fight back.
Suasor worked diligently and without complaint.
“My Lord, Suasor is loyal to you, as he has been since first coming to the island.
What proof do you have that he is planning on committing this treason?”
“You dare to question your own Lord?”
Senda stared at the Mystic. “I have always been allowed to speak my mind with
Lucian.” He was becoming more and more concerned that something was very wrong.
“Perhaps I have let you get away with too much.”
Senda looked away from his Lord. The man’s eyes were full of suspicion and anger.
Senda has seen Lucian angry when the need called for it, but he could count the number
of times on one hand. What is happening to Lucian? He glanced at Anali and took a deep
breath. “Perhaps you should stop taking the medicines Anali gives you...”
“You think he has something to do with this?” Lucian demanded. “The man saved
me!”
“I am aware of that, and I am grateful for what he has done, but you are not yourself,
My Lord...”
“I am more myself than I was a few weeks ago. Do you realize I was aware of
everything, Senda?” Lucian’s face changed into something terrifying, but Senda couldn’t
look away from the rage burning in his eyes. “Oh yes, my dear man, I could see and
comprehend everything! But I was trapped in my body, couldn’t make it move, couldn’t
even keep my own tongue in my blasted mouth!” Lucian threw his empty cup against the
hearth, where it shattered into a million pieces.
“I heard every snicker, every whisper, saw every grimace, and glances filled with
pity. Well no more! Those people will rue the day they laughed at me.”
Senda shook his head. He couldn’t deny what Lucian said. “People were afraid, they
didn’t know how to react...”
“I was still their Lord, damn and blast them! They should have treated me no
different than they had before I became ill.” Lucian began coughing with such force that
Senda feared the man would die from the effort.

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 “Latus eris,” Anali whispered.
Lucian’s coughing subsided immediately.
“I think Lucian has had enough for one morning.”
Senda stood rooted to the spot, watching the bald Mystic lead his Lord to his
bedchamber. He couldn’t hear what Anali whispered to Lucian, but Anali turned and
grinned.
Dear Spirits, what have I done? There was much in the man’s feral grin that worried
Senda. It was clear to him that Lucian was different, though up and moving. He knew he
should be happy that his Lord was well. But at what cost?

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 CHAPTER THREE
Senda woke to the sound of Anali and Lucian moving about the Lord’s bedchamber.
He hesitated for a moment before padding silently over to the closed door.
“I think it is time to get rid of him, my Lord.” Anali’s voice drifted to Senda’s ears.
“But he has been loyal to me for many years, Mystic. I can’t get rid of him. Where
will he go?”
“That is not your concern. What should concern you is the plotting going on right
under your nose.”
“I can’t believe my own manservant is behind any plotting. I may have been too
lenient in letting him speak his mind, but he is loyal to me.”
“As you wish, my Lord.”
Senda turned from the door, heart pounding in his chest. What do I do? He paced
back and forth, becoming more agitated and frightened with each passing moment.
Lucian said he wasn’t going to let me go. Senda took a deep breath, trying to calm
his nerves. He knew he had been correct in thinking that Anali was up to mischief. I must
expose the man. But how?
Senda dressed hurriedly. Lucian and Anali would be expecting breakfast soon. He
needed to perform his duties as if he had no idea what the two men had been discussing.
Senda feared what the Mystic would do if he knew Senda had overheard the
conversation.
He tried to act natural as he made his way to the kitchens. His mind couldn’t seem to
focus on one thought; they scattered like leaves in a summer breeze. Senda wished there
was someone he could trust, someone he could talk to about what was happening with
Lucian and Anali.
He stopped short, the barest hint of an idea forming in his mind. He bit his lip,
wondering if he should bother the man with his worries. I have to have help. I am in over
my head.
Neli was waiting none too patiently for Senda to arrive. The large platter was taking
up counter space that she needed to begin fixing the noon meal.
Senda apologized profusely, claiming he overslept.
“Well, your extra sleep has cost me! Now hurry back with them dishes!”
Senda ducked a very well aimed kick at his backside and scurried out of the kitchen.
He took his time returning to the Lord’s chambers, trying to gather his scattered thoughts.
He prayed to the good Spirits to help him fool the Mystic.
The guard barely stirred when Senda walked up to the main doors to Lucian’s
chambers. Senda couldn’t blame the man. The guards drew straws for this particular duty.
No one ever volunteered. Sitting day and night for a fortnight was not something a soldier
enjoyed doing. The more seasoned veterans would often force the younger men to take
their duty if they drew the short straw.
Anali and Lucian were waiting when he entered the solar. Senda avoided eye contact
and focused solely on arranging the breakfast plates and getting Lucian’s tea ready.

2
 Soon, there was nothing more to occupy his attention. He took his plate and walked
toward the balcony.
“Too good to eat with us, eh?”
Senda glanced at Anali, too afraid to meet his eyes for long. “The weather is turning
and I thought it might be nice to eat outside today.” Without waiting for an answer, Senda
walked out onto the balcony.
Lord Lucian’s chambers were situated so they overlooked the lush gardens. There
were exotic species from all over both continents. He had insisted they be brought to the
island in their native soil in large barrels, along with barrels of more soil.
His island home was mainly rock and shrub. Lucian hated it. And his wife Malorie
hated it even more so. Together, the pair transformed the barren landscape into a lush
paradise. Malorie had spent countless hours in the gardens, pruning and plucking and
weeding. Lucian accompanied her unless his duties required otherwise.
Since Malorie’s death, Lucian had hired a man to tend to the gardens. Senda thought
it pained him to be there without his beloved by his side.
Butterflies and fat nectar bees buzzed and flitted among the flowers. Birds of every
kind darted in and out of the trees, singing their songs of their love of spring. Senda often
wished he could spread his wings and soar amongst the clouds.
His predicament dampened his enjoyment of the morning. He was not sure he could
keep up the facade. I must speak to Suasor.
“Lucian wishes to meet the petitioners today.”
Senda yelped as the Mystic’s voice sounded right behind him. “Shall I lay out his
clothing, then?”
“That is part of your duties, isn’t it?”
Senda placed his cup on the table and stood. “As my Lord wishes.” He walked
calmly to Lucian’s wardrobe with Anali’s chuckle following close behind.

***

“My Lord Lucian!” Suasor stood abruptly as Lucian and Anali strode into the
audience chamber. The man and woman kneeling before him stood and gaped at Lucian
and the Mystic.
“Praise the good Sprits!” Suasor kneeled before his Lord. As he stood, he took
Anali’s hand. “You have brought our Lord back to us. We are forever in your debt.”
Anali took his hand from the man’s grasp, contempt flashing across his soft features.
“It was my honor. But as you can see, Lucian is quite capable of returning to his duties.”
“Yes, of course. “ Suasor stammered.
Lucian took his place in the large wooden chair. It was a replica of his throne. Lucian
hated addressing people from the throne room. He enjoyed being more at eye level with
his subjects rather than towering over them.
Anali snapped his fingers, signaling a servant standing nearby to have a chair
brought for him.
“Here is the list of petitioners, my Lord,” Suasor handed Lucian the parchment with
the list of names of those needing to speak to Lucian. “There is also a message that

2
arrived this morning from Laevanya. He says you have yet to pay him your ten percent
for the month.”
Lucian’s face twisted in fury. “I thought you were supposed to be looking out for
things while I was indisposed!”
“My Lord, I sent the payment weeks ago. However, there has been no word from the
driver. It is possible he was ambushed.”
“We must send someone to look for the man.”
“I will see to it at once.” Suasor bowed and turned to leave.
“Perhaps you should send Suasor himself to find the missing driver. You need
someone you can trust for this mission.”
Suasor’s neck creaked as he turned. Anali was seated at Lucian’s right hand,
whispering, but talking loudly enough so that Suasor could hear.
Lucian nodded. “I do need someone I can trust. Suasor, I want you ready to leave
within the hour.”
“As you wish, my Lord.” Suasor strode quickly out of the room.

***

Senda hurried through the castle, brushing past the myriad of servants and maids
rushing about their duties, ignoring their cries and angry shouts as he raced to the front
gates. This can’t be happening! The panic mounted as he flew through the raised
portcullis and out into the bright morning light.
“Is there something I can do for you?”
Senda looked up at the man sitting on a large destrier. “I was hoping to catch Lord
Suasor before he left. Where is he going?”
“On business for Lord Lucian. He was packed for a long journey.”
Senda’s shoulders slumped as he tried to catch his breath. Where could he possibly
be going? The manservant rushed off to ask the man’s wife. He only had a short break
before he would be expected to bring Lucian’s lunch.
Suasor’s modest manor sat on a low hill overlooking the Sea of Solace. The minor
Lord didn’t have the income to afford a gardener so his land was bleak and stark.
However, Lady Jaenet had made the inside of the manor comfortable and homey. The
stone walls were covered with colorful tapestries, the floors with rich rugs, and she had
all manner of trinkets and knick-knacks scattered throughout the house. Their children
were grown and gone. Jaenet surrounded herself with the children of the nearby villages.
They were allowed to drop by whenever they wished and she always made sure to have
plenty of sweet treats for them.
Senda found Lady Jaenet playing a game of Catch Me if You Can with several
youngsters. He stopped and watched for a moment, unwilling to interrupt their game. One
boy stood alone with a blindfold on his eyes, while the others ran about him, calling out
“Catch me if you can!”, leaping backwards if the boy got too close.
Jaenet was in their midst, giggling and laughing like a girl half her age. Her face was
covered in a sheen of sweat and tendrils of hair stick to her face. She spotted Senda
waiting and called a pause to the game.

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 “It’s only for a moment children! You may continue while I speak with Lord
Lucian’s manservant,” She laughed at their disappointed whining. Her chambermaid
handed her a cloth to wipe the sweat from her face.
“What can I do for you, Senda?”
Senda bowed, taking a moment to gather his racing thoughts. “It is good to see you,
Jaenet.”
“Is it true what they are saying about Lucian? Has the Mystic cured him?”
“So it would seem.”
“What are you not telling me?”
Senda grinned ruefully. Jaenet was shrewd. “He has changed, Jaenet. He isn’t the
same man he was before he became ill,” Jaenet merely looked at him so he continued, the
words coming in a rush. “He is cruel. Lucian has always been just, but never cruel! He is
suspicious, and listens to Anali more than he should. I overheard Anali ask Lucian to
dismiss me. The Mystic also convinced Lucian that Suasor has designs to rule the island.”
“Have you spoken to anyone else about this?”
“Only you. I wished to speak to Suasor, perhaps warn him or something.”
“Lucian sent Suasor after the driver who brings the tenth to Laevanya. The Patriarch
is claiming he never received the chest of gold,” Jaenet began pacing. “Perhaps there is
more to this journey than meets the eye.”
“What can we do? Do you have someone you can send after Suasor to warn him?”
“I can send Patrik. Come.” She hurried into the manor, calling out for someone to get
Patrik.
“You mustn’t tell anyone what you overheard. Until we can get word to Suasor, we
must act as though the very walls had ears,” She hurriedly scribbled a note on a piece of
parchment, and sealed it with a dob of hot wax and Suasor’s ring. “Trust no one.”
Patrik arrived. Jaenet gave him the note, telling him that he must deliver that note
into his Lord’s hands as quickly as possible. “Ride hard and you should catch him before
nightfall. You must not fail.”
Patrik bowed and left for the stables.
“When he gets the note, Suasor will return. He will know what to do.”
“I hope so, Jaenet. I fear what may happen if the Mystic gets his claws any deeper in
Lucian.”