Dimitri & Kate (Severed Realm Series)

  Dimitri & Kate

  Jess Amare'

  Copyright © 2020 By Keith Williams

  All rights reserved. This book or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the publisher except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.

  For

  Beth & Tess

  Best Friends now and forever

  Severed Realm books

  Dimitri & Kate

  Tommy

  Joey

  Loreighn

  Jones

  Nothing lasts Forever

  Contents

  Severed Realm books

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 1

  Jarius eased back softly onto the palace settee the Magi had prepared. The curtains of the royal bedroom were pulled open, as were the large doors leading to the presentation veranda. Gaps in the balcony’s stone railing allowed the king a partial view of the capital square with its complex fountains. What was once a meeting place for his faithful subjects now stood empty, an inescapable reminder of his failures. King Jarius’ regrets were not bound exclusively to the past; they also foretold of the consequences he’d bestowed upon his sons.

  Out of necessity, Kingdom Liberta would be divided equally, and in Jarius’ place, three new kings would arise. The northern volcanic provinces would succeed to Stryke, the eldest and strongest of his sons, the eastern portion of the kingdom to Viska, known for his understanding of the magic arts, and finally, the remote southwest regions to the creative and free-spirited Artiem. The king’s sons had been preparing their future kingdoms for years; now those seemed like mere, wasted moments, stolen from his finite time with his sons.

  The palace would be entrusted to his one and only daughter, Katherine. The measure was highly symbolic. The king wanted to honor the efforts Kate had made in designing the palace and the surrounding gardens. Her gift was one of form AND function, the end result an easy going beauty. Wasn’t that just like her mother… Even her long blond hair reminded Jarius of his wife. Soon, he’d be joining his queen.

  “Your majesty’s tea.” Connor, House Pilastro’s chief butler, set the simple wooden tray down next to the king’s couch.

  “Thank you.” Jarius winced in pain as he sat up and reached for the hunter’s mug. It was a strong concoction of enhanced herbs and painkillers. He’d once forgone their enticements on the battlefield, even after being drilled by an arrow; he was in much worse pain now. And it was not just because of the suffering brought on by the Scourge. His was an agony of the heart. Jarius drank heartily and waited for the drugs to take effect. Katherine had cleverly designed the master chamber with a western view, and the sun was setting to lie in wait for morning’s return. The king watched as the golden glow slipped away, then closed his eyes, letting his mind drift to happier times.

  House Pilastro had been forged from the fragmented ruins left by the Great War. That war was one fought over, of all things, water rights. Water barons had pushed their strength and influence to the breaking point, creating an environment where each province and village scraped along for its survival by any means necessary. Jarius was a weir man, and one of the best. His knowledge of the waterways and how they affected one another had proven to be the one unifying hope for reforms to the system of water allocation.

  Jarius’ pride and joy centered on his children’s roles in the Croix dam construction. Even at a young age they worked hard to make their family business shine. Stryke’s job was controlling the winches and braces used to set the barriers. Today he found it difficult to do so, losing his battle with the wind. Stryke released a gear lever, hoping to draw hair from across his eyes. Katherine looked out from the architect’s platform with a barely disguised smile. “Are you ready for that haircut noooow? Or are you afraid Jody might disapprove!” Stryke lifted one hand from the lever and turned into the wind, clearing his view for the moment. He then pushed the handle all the way forward, dropping another panel into place. It held a section of the picture Artiem had created to adorn the riverside barrier. The mural was a color splashed reflection of the surrounding landscape. Raised voices brought Katherine’s attention back to the table.

  Her father and Viska were arguing over the work site’s resupply schedule. “Three heavy wagons on loan from the Hartsfield’s farm were due in yesterday.” Viska watched as his father drew a line across the map. ”They carry the binding rods, and without those, we’re not capable of setting another panel.” Jarius looked up to Kate, she signaled Stryke that the work day was over. Viska pondered the problem with the resupply. It was being caused by the rain playing havoc on the roads.

  He questioned his father. “Why not re-task the light carriages? Hartsfield has six, they don’t need them all, do they?”

  “Unfortunately yes. They’ve been affected by the rain too, and when the weather breaks, they’ll need everything they’ve got to get the wheat in.”

  Viska considered the complexity of the problem – How each decision created its own ripple. What eventually took place was heartbreaking. The town council, fearful of another flood, conscripted all six wagons. Then they went on to draft the harvest workers as well. Jarius caved into their demands. In the end it had all been for naught as the rains broke early. Charles Hartsfield watched his crops rot as his family harvested what they could, without help. He would die penniless two years later, but not before making sure his sons knew who was responsible: Jarius Pilastro.

  The populace eventually gave into the idea of another kingship. After their failed attempts at democracy, Jarius had been the one entrusted to lead into the future.

  * * *

  Artium brought the mallet down hard, chasing his chisel into rough woodgrain. He was building a tree line of sorts, sculpting sentries who would never need to be relieved of duty. He worked with artisans, inspired by the celebrated folklore of their culture. Each tree held unique opportunities, and he strove to bring those differences to life. The palace his sister had designed was woven into its beauty as well. Artiem’s guardians would serve to honor her efforts in his own way.

  He looked up now to see Connor standing with his back to the balcony’s open doors. Having worsened, his father’s illness was distressing. The scourge wasn’t known as a fatal disease, but Artiem found his spirit troubled nonetheless. The display was almost finished; he labored on, driven by an uneasiness he could not shake.

  * * *

  Connor left the king’s chambers and walked stoically towards the one person he trusted more than any other. He found Lady Katherine on the palace guards’ practice range. Her long, soft, blond hair was tied back as usual. He waited briefly, watching the bolt from her crossbow scream to its target. Katherine turned to face Connor; his eyes sent the message that he bore no good news. Words were not exchanged as they made their way back to Jarius’ settee. The balcony doors were still open, and she could see that her father wore an expression of eternal peace. “I’ll send word to my brothers,” she said quietly.

  “They’ve already made their final preparations to leave, so as they attend to their own interests, things are going to get quiet around here quickly.” Connor saw through Katherine’s show of strength to the pain building inside her. He set a hand on her shoulder, pulling her to
his side. “I’ve still got you. Your father always considered this your mother’s palace, and now it’s yours.”

  “About that… Do not let the word out, but I’ll be taking a leave of absence. You know how I feel about my brothers’ bickering. I’ll not rest here as a symbol of unity where none exists.”

  “As you wish, but on one condition: that you wear this as a promise of your return.” Kate let Connor slip the silver amulet around her neck, clipping it from behind. “May its essence protect you always.” Kate saw through the softly-tinted glass into the pure water the amulet held so close to her heart. Connor had supreme confidence in his ward. He’d overseen her since her youth, and she continued to impress. Protocol confined his responses, as did his loyalty to her brothers, but her concerns resonated deeply with his own. A smile was enough to let Katherine know he approved. “I will make the arrangements for your father’s burial next to Queen Charnel.”

  Chapter 2

  Dimitri had spent his early years growing up on a farm – the perfect place to learn some very important lessons. Most important of all was becoming absolutely certain that he never wanted to be a farmer himself. His brothers were still working, but he’d been able to slip away during the foreman’s change. He ducked on and off the road on the way to Nicolai’s. Things had gotten much worse since their father’s death. The family farm was gone; it had sold for just enough to get their mother settled in the city. It had been sad having to lie to their father about their plans to sell, but they’d all agreed. Maria had put up a fight as best as she could, but she knew the world was changing, and so were her boys. In his heart, Dimitri vowed to honor his promise, but for now, it remained unfulfilled.

  Dimitri breathed a little easier as he entered the path to the illusionist's lodge. These paths were used to cross country ski in the winter, and also served as the local animal population’s superhighway of sorts. Dimitri considered himself an adequate tracker, always checking for signs of moose. The bears were one thing, but the moose were much more territorial, and if surprised, would charge; that was always a losing proposition. Dimitri swept his long dark hair back and looked past the final trail. There was no smoke rising from the lodge chimney, but that didn’t mean Nicolai was away. Chopping wood was usually the last thing on the magus’ mind.

  “Hello?”

  “Door’s open.” Dimitri had procured some seed from the sharecroppers before ditching his brothers. Lars and Ruby, Nicolai’s carrier pigeons, looked on greedily. Dimitri dropped the heavy bag on the table, hoping to break the old man’s concentration – no good.

  “Thanks. Now, come here.” Dimitri breezed through the kitchen leading to the back porch. “Don’t get squeamish on me.” Nicolai had rigged six oversized rain barrels with planking thus creating a large tabletop. On it was the remains of a grizzly. “Ok, lift the front shoulder.” Dimitri got his fingers under the bear and lifted; as he did so, the neck section cleared the table, exposing the deep wounds that must have killed the animal. “Ok, that’s good. Let’s wash up, shall we?”

  Dimitri’s hands were red. That in and of itself was not what bothered him… It was the fact that no part of the bear had been taken for food. If a hunter had killed the animal, surely he would have skinned it for clothing, and bear meat was highly sought as a diversion from venison. Dimitri worked on chopping enough wood to get a fire going, and even made sure there was a little extra for his friend. Evening’s chill came and the night tea was served, steaming hot. Nicolai took his, carefully checking for just the right amount of honey. It was perfect as usual. He looked up from his cup, and into Dimitri’s deep brown eyes.

  So what do you make of our little find out back?”

  Dimitri had so many questions, he wasn’t sure where to start. He drew a long sip of tea. “So who found it?”

  “Very good. I guess you knew I’d never be able to drag the thing back here alone.”

  “Actually, it was the extra boot prints off the back porch. Those are from climbing boots – not too common around here.”

  “His name is Caladrin. He’s kind of ah…a tracker.”

  Dimitri was stunned: he knew all the best trackers. “Then he must be from…”

  “Yes, the Hinderlands.”

  “Wow, what would bring him all the way out here? There’s nothing to see but a bunch of wheat fields.”

  Nicolai hesitated, weighing the effect his response would have on his young protégé. “What else did you see?”

  “The bite marks showed signs of a quick kill, but there’s nothing around here that can take a grizzly down like that. The bear’s claws were clean, so whatever it was must have surprised it.”

  Nicolai pushed a book across the table to Dimitri. “Impossible, right?” Its open pages showed a foul, smoking beast. He could almost smell the stench wafting from its dagger filled jaws. It was bound in blackened scales smelted together by intense heat; its wings were like layered skin. The holes riddling them revealed a latticework of bones, and a ring of spikes encircled its neck. Nicolai reached over smoothing the page. “That is a Davara, one who does a Dream Slayer’s bidding.” On the opposing page, Dimitri looked at a massive lion and something more: its mane was rimmed in fiery orange. Well-defined muscles flaunted through the thick fur encasing the animal. “It’s called a Nemean lion.”

  “Ya well… Aren’t those kind of extinct? Even if one still existed, why come here, to a land known only for its silos?”

  Nicolai answered by moving further into the book, to a map filled with strange symbols spread across both pages. Dimitri’s tracking instincts were piqued. Some of the landmarks seemed familiar, yet his mind could not grasp their significance. Softly-scribed pencil lines connected some of the symbols.

  Nicolai closed the book quickly, lifting it to Dimitri. “If you’d like to hang onto the book, it’s yours… On one condition…”

  “I promise.” Dimitri knew Nicolai would never approve of a hunt for the creature.

  “Promise accepted. Say, what about some late night practice?”

  “Sure, my wisp shielding is coming along nicely,” Dimitri replied as he drafted smoke from the fireplace. Nicolai played along, fashioning the smoke into the form of the lion pictured in the book, as well as one from his own memories. For now, he’d have to let fate take its course – it was the safest way to protect Dimitri, something he had sworn his life to do. Nicolai had seen through Caladrin’s facade, but only to a superficial depth. The tracker could not be trusted; maybe there was a way to turn the tables. He would need to send word to his friends in the Hinderlands.

  * * *

  Back home, Dimitri entered the tiny shed and tried to sneak past his brothers. It was late and he hoped the hard work would have put them under for the night. “Little brother, if you thought you went unnoticed today, guess again.” Dimitri eased to his bed, just a few feet from Anton’s. “We covered for you, but you owe us, big time.”

  Vlad swept the blankets from his bed, joining in his brothers’ conversation. He was fully dressed. “Tonight, we meet with Viktor. He’s got good news.” Dmitri’s heart slumped. If Viktor had good news, then he’d consider it bad news for pretty much everyone else. Nothing good ever came from Viktor’s rants against the throne. Dimitri wasn’t naïve about the world he’d grown up in; it was just that he saw through Viktor in a way his brothers could not. There was no way he’d get out of going to the meeting. The three brothers left the shed they called home, and made way to the gathering ring.

  News in the farmlands did not travel quickly. The work was hard and most seasons, it lasted from dawn to dusk. For Viktor to coax over one hundred workmen from their much needed sleep was no small task. Dimitri slid down the bench to a spot midway, and sat, never taking his eyes off of their so-called leader. Before long, the indoctrination resumed.

  “Fellow warriors: for so I see you as…” Dimitri was already cringing. “Tonight, you will be known as laborers no more.” As Viktor spoke, helpers were off-loading weapons from
the crates behind him and were being passed around randomly. Dimitri took a small knife, one he could lose later. “In the morning we will be leaving this land and life of despair.” A hush went through the crowd, followed by whispered disquiet. Viktor held up a hand. “We join our brethren across the kingdom. Let me now say: the king is dead.” A cheer went up through the crowd, making Dimitri feel nauseous. He had no love for the king, but reveling in his death only amounted to a different kind of evil. Jarius was no doubt flawed, but Dimitri knew of no man who could have done better. Dimitri’s own father had been wrong to breed hatred into his sons. As a tracker, Dimitri knew it would take at least a week for Viktor’s motley crew to fully assemble, giving him plenty of time to ditch his brothers. He knew talking sense into them would be futile; he’d have to find another way. As the three brothers made their way back to the shed for a few hours of rest, Dimitri was already planning his journey back to Nicolai’s.

  * * *

  Katherine took one last look in the mirror. She tried to find the girl she’d known all her life, but could not see her there. Katherine had cut her hair short and the native blackroot plant made for an incredibly potent dye. No one would recognize her. Jarius had taken a piece of her heart with him as well, adding to the changes she saw reflected back. Katherine couldn’t push aside the hurt she felt from her brothers’ squabbling.

  After their father’s death, Stryke had been the first to leave, wasting no time as was his norm. She’d said her goodbyes to Artiem out by the sentry pines a day later. Viska had organized his forces perfectly, taking a bit of extra time, but knowing it would be worth it in the long run. Each of her brothers was so gifted – if only they could have found a way to make it work. It wasn’t as much of a power struggle as most of the locals assumed; it was the difference in their innate motivations. Katherine finished packing, concealing her crossbow as best she could, and taking the passage leading from her bedroom. She’d kept it secret all these years, fearing its necessity more than anything else. Deep down, she’d seen the cracks in House Pilastro’s foundations, and wondered many times if all families struggled as fiercely as hers did.