Dimitri & Kate (Severed Realm Series) Page 2

  * * *

  Dimitri was such an expert in losing his brothers that he started wondering if they’d actually left room for his getaway. He’d said goodbye in his own way, hiding his knife in Vlad’s travel satchel. He crossed the last brook separating him from Nicolai’s. The day had gone by slowly, watching the village harvesters wielding weapons they were never trained to carry. A few sparring matches broke out, one of which ended in some sliced fingers. It all felt so wrong, but hope was just around the corner: Nicolai always knew what to do.

  The moon was trying to send its own help, guiding Dimitri through the last patch of forest. Smoke sifted through the moonlight, creating a foggy haze; Dimitri suddenly realized that Nicolai would never waste that much of his precious reserves on such a balmy night, and terror began to grip his heart. To his horror, what was left of the cottage was smoldering. The fireplace stood tall as the larger timbers still tried to hold up the frame. Dimitri set aside his fear, approaching Nicolai’s sitting chair pulled far out into the south garden; he eased around it to see Nicolai, doused in red.

  Visions of the grizzly tore at Dimitri’s heart. He checked the magus’ hands, and dropped to his knees. Something pricked at his senses, and a different kind of fear made its way through his heart. Hesitating, he turned around just in time to see a crimson-maned lion turn the corner from what was left of the back porch. Dimitri cast instinctively, wrapping smoke around the lion in an enchanted grip. He cinched the wisps, then let them solidify, hoping to entomb the lion in rock. The beast made no effort to resist, then calmly shook itself loose as if nothing had happened. Only a master could escape a stone cast like that. The lion took three steps closer and Dimitri perceived it was toying with him. He rushed madly, filled with the rage of Nicolai’s death and releasing all of his remaining energy in an icy bolt, hoping to somehow pierce the creature’s hide. Frost filled the gap between Dimitri and his attacker. The lion blocked the frozen dagger and reared up, front legs extended wide. Dimitri slammed into the lion, waiting for the killing blow he knew would come. But instead, Dimitri found himself in a powerful embrace as the lion whispered softly, “He was my friend… Nicolai was my friend too.”

  Dimitri struggled to free himself from shock. It was like a hazy dream seeking to lure him into a world he could never return from. He’d sat weeping, watching Nicolai being set to rest, and afterwards, he had no recollection of the journey to the lion’s lair. Something in the back of his mind resonated that they had been traveling east. Dimitri had slowed as the lion led them through dense brush and into a rocky cavern. Moss lined the entrance walls and moisture filled the air. Dimitri heard the sound of moving water from the rear of the cave. Light filtered down through openings in the ceiling that extended through the rocks overhead. Dimitri found himself sitting on a carved, moss covered chair.

  “That was Nicolai’s. We had a most difficult time getting it here, but he insisted.”

  “I never saw this style chair at the cottage, even without the moss.”

  “We brought it from the Hinderlands many years ago. My name is Lexor.” Tears broke across Dimitri’s cheeks as Lexor returned from the cave spring with water, and encouraged Dimitri to drink. Lexor drank directly from the pool, shaking his great mane dry. Dimitri could see that the tips of Lexor’s mane were not just crimson, they flickered in an ever-changing pattern enhanced by firelight. Lexor bared his teeth in a yawn, an action which quickly spread to Dimitri – they’d traveled for hours. No words were needed as they both collapsed into a dreamless sleep.

  Dimitri woke to see Lexor passing through the entrance with red lined jaws. The lion just smiled warmly. “Don’t worry, I have no bad intentions.” He dropped an ample supply of rose berries down for Dimitri. “Be careful, or you’ll end up like me.”

  “You eat these things?”

  Lexor opened his mouth wide revealing the red stained interior. Only the teeth remained white, standing out in sharp contrast. “I need no meat.”

  “So you didn’t kill the grizzly.”

  “No. The Source sustains me.” Lexor watched Dimitri carefully, waiting to see if the young wizard’s affinity extended beyond elemental magic.

  “The water.”

  “Very good.” Nicolai had chosen Dimitri wisely. “There are only a few caches left, and their locations are guarded fiercely.”

  “Guarded from…?” It suddenly hit Dimitri. He opened the travel satchel and centered the book in the light streaming down from above. “The Davara.” Lexor marveled at the workings of the Source, how it chose its servants and empowered them in different ways. Dimitri’s tracking instincts were being enhanced, extending well into the unseen world that surrounded them. Lexor breathed out uneasily. Risking one as young as Dimitri was never a choice he could grow comfortable with. With the death of Nicolai, they were being pushed by events much larger than themselves. He could wait no longer.

  “I knew your father, and know Maria too.” Dimitri’s eyes welled in tears. “He was a bold one, choosing your family name boldly as well.”

  “Hartsfield? Dad was a farmer. All he knew was how to run a plow in nice neat lines, and swing a scythe like no other.”

  “No, your father was not a farmer – your father was a king.” Lexor could see even the Source had its limits in breaking through Dimitri’s misperceptions. “Your father’s given name is Custovan…the cultivator of hearts.” Dimitri’s mind was swimming in half conversations overheard in his family’s farmhouse growing up. Lexor continued, “You need to find your mother: she is in danger. I’ll find you, but you need to get her back home.”

  “The farms are being deserted.”

  “No – take her back home to the Hinderlands.”

  “And where will you go?”

  “To find help for two more princes I swore my life to protect.”

  * * *

  Lars circled down, drawn to the Source and its servants. This cache was one of many hidden away in a time when the water had flowed more freely. Wise servants had read into the future, filled with revelation from the Source itself. Connor held out an arm for the messenger to land safely. He let the bird drink from his own cup as he carefully removed the small parchment strapped to its leg. The message was short, but clear. The Slayer. Panic filled Connor, knowing one he’d pledged to protect was no longer securely guarded by his presence and gifting. His mind reached out to Nicolai, sensing a void where none should exist. He would need to guide Katherine himself.

  Connor finished drinking and filled his cup again, a necessary extravagance. He kneeled, closed his eyes and strained to sense Kate, seeking to encounter her. If she could have seen her amulet at that moment, she would have noticed its soft teal glowing. Connor had been faced with many tough decisions in his lifetime; this was to be the most difficult. He attached a note to Lars and whispered a name to the avian messenger. The bird lifted easily, angling upward at an incredible rate. He filled his travel skin, and set out to warn Viska of what was coming.

  Chapter 3

  Maria had lived in a palace, but cooking was a luxury she enjoyed. She had made the most of moving to Chester, a city in southeast Liberta. She pushed through the marketplace, making small talk with the local merchants and shop owners. She competed with the restaurant owners for the best goods; getting up early was one of her strategies. The other was learning to act like a local with city slang and clothing as her allies. From Toby’s, a fish shop known for its wide range of fresh choices, she caught a glimpse of a young girl being cornered. “Excuse me, I’ll be right back. Wrap the trout, yes that one.” Confident of her purchase, she moved within earshot of the commotion.

  “I tell you, she bled black blood, right on my best wool cardigan, she did!” Kate held her tongue, not wanting to bring attention to the real culprit: her hair. Apparently, blackroot had a reputation for smudging whatever it came in contact with. Fearful eyes filled with the suspicions of legends past grew as the crowd continued to assemble.

  “She’s no Blackb
lood! She’s my linen maid.” Maria quickly tossed the merchant a gold coin, his eyes breaking away from Kate. That’s all it took. The crowd swiftly broke up, a little disappointed that the legend remained unconfirmed.

  “Thanks, you kind of saved me there.” Kate was wrapping her headscarf a little more carefully, making sure to leave nothing to chance. Maria’s eyes were not on Kate’s blackened hair, though – they were glued to her amulet.

  “You’re welcome. Say, could you help me with a few items? I don’t live far from here, and I live alone.”

  “Sure.”

  “My name’s Maria… And yours?”

  “Ah, Kather— Kate.”

  Maria got Kate loaded up, adding the fish to her already bulging shopping bag, then looked her over. “What brings you to Chester?” Kate’s questioning eyes led Maria to follow up quickly. ”It’s your clothing: definitely top shelf. Nothing like that around here, and I just love your jewelry!”

  Upon arrival at Maria’s home, Kate was enticed to stay for a meal. Maria prepared the fish with a simple seasoned batter; a heavy bread accompanied it, smeared with ample amounts of butter. Tea was served with lemon tarts as the women relaxed while admiring a view of the woods out back. “My boys insisted on the view. We raised them down south in the Wheatlands, not many trees there to speak of, not that could be seen from the farmhouse, anyway. I lost my husband a few years back. We lost our farm shortly thereafter.”

  “Sorry to hear that,” Kate said genuinely. Maria nodded gracefully.

  “Life’s a little crazy – I feel like I’m on my third already.”

  A smile broke across Kate’s face. “Yah, I’d say I’m already on my second, for sure!”

  “Where are you staying? And for how long?”

  “Well, I just got here. I was planning on finding an inn somewhere right in town.”

  “Stay here. I’ve got an extra cot for the living room. It’s not fancy, but it’s cheap!”

  “I’d say it’s got pretty much everything.” Kate looked over the modest accommodations, fixing on a pencil drawing on the mantle.

  “Those are my boys. I had a hard time getting them to sit for the illustrator. It was part of the deal I worked out in letting them resettle me here.”

  “They’re all so handsome.”

  “That’s Anton – he takes after his father; my middle son is Vlad, and my youngest, my wanderer, that’s Dimitri.” Kate set the picture down.

  “I’ve got three brothers. I wish they got along as well as your sons seem to.”

  “Sometimes, it’s heartbreak that brings a family together.”

  Kate’s demeanor softened. “I sure hope so.” The night was winding down.

  Soon, Kate was wrapped in warm blankets. Maria had perceptively supplied a dark pillowcase, setting it down with a wink. Something about the older women’s movements and mannerisms reminded Kate of her mother. Strange that a simple farmer’s graces would mirror that of a queen’s; maybe that’s the way it should be. Kate held that thought, letting it lead her into a peaceful slumber. She dreamt of a hill swept land where water flowed clean and free.

  * * *

  It had been a long hard journey, the last part extending through the night. It had taken all of Dimitri’s skills, but he was finally here. He entered quietly, hoping to block any morning sun from entering through the door with him. Mom was on the cot – that was strange. He tiptoed over, giving her a kiss on the side of her neck. “Surprise!”

  Kate woke up and rolled over, looking into the eyes of Maria’s youngest son.

  “Excuse me!” Dimitri stepped back. “I am soooo sorry, I thought you were…”

  “Your mother? Come here, Dimitri; give Mommy a big hug!” Maria walked out from the bedroom. Dimitri turned a bright red, but gave way to his mother’s wishes.

  “I’ve missed you so much. Wait, where are your brothers? And why are you five weeks early?”

  “I’ve got a lot to tell you.” Dimitri turned to Kate, Maria making introductions.

  “This is Kate from…”

  “Out of town. And you’re Dimitri – your mother told me you were quite the adventurer. I guess she wasn’t kidding.” Kate let out a little laugh. Dimitri was sizing her up, trying to figure out how this girl had ended up staying with his mother.

  Dimitri spent the better part of the morning trying to explain the recent events in a way as not to alarm his mother. Kate listened carefully, especially in reference to the newly-formed militia. The particulars of Nicolai’s death, and the appearance of the Nemean lion he conveniently omitted. It all led to what he needed to convey now. “I’ve got to get you out of Chester for a while: to somewhere far away.”

  “You mean, like a vacation?”

  “Something like that.”

  “Where to? And what about your brothers?”

  “You first, Mom, Don’t worry—a friend is helping with Anton and Vlad. We’re heading up to the Hinderlands.” Dimitri was holding back on most of what Lexor had shared about the family’s true name and position for now. In a way, he felt a sweet vindication, payback for his mother and father’s misdirection all these years. He was sure they’d had their reasons, and he knew he had his. In the end, Maria didn’t put up much of a fight. They spent the morning packing, and were getting the house ready to vacate when Ruby flew through the open rear window. She hesitated, fluttering between Dimitri and Kate. Dimitri settled the bird, removing the message scroll. The Crossroads. Strange… That was far from a direct route to the Hinderlands. Dimitri trusted that Lexor knew what he was doing. Ruby hopped back over to Kate, bending over and taking a peck at her amulet. Maria jumped in protectively.

  “Naughty bird!” Ruby didn’t seem to mind the scolding as Maria broke out some travel bread for the bird. She ate her fill and left unceremoniously. Dimitri was focused on the amulet, drawn to it.

  “That’s beautiful.”

  “It’s from a friend, with a promise to return.” At this, Dimitri raised an eyebrow. Kate blushed. Not THAT kind of friend.” Dimitri let out the breath he’d been holding. “It was from our butler…. I mean baker. Our families are really close; we supply flour, and stuff.” Dimitri looked on skeptically. “And stuff?”

  “Yah, you know – all that stuff they put in the bread.” Kate looked to Maria, hoping she’d change the subject.

  “Say, why don’t you join us?” Maria went on with a long description of the Hinderlands. “Well that’s what I’ve heard anyway.” Things were getting complicated. Maria had to act like she’d never been there, Dimitri had to act like he didn’t know she had, and Kate had to act like she wasn’t a princess. The Source had brought them together and saw right through to the intentions of their hearts. Kate felt the undeniable pull emanating silently from the pure water of the amulet, vivid images of last night’s dream playing through her mind.

  “Yes. If I can help in any way to get you to safety…”

  ‘Thank you.” Maria hugged Kate warmly; Dimitri absolutely had no objections.

  “Ok, I’ll be back. I hope you know how to ride a horse.”

  “No problem.”

  “Let me guess: your family uses them to deliver the flour…”

  “Something like that.” Kate just couldn’t keep that cute, mischievous smile from appearing.

  Lexor had needed help getting word to the other boys. His presence usually created quite a stir! Friends loyal to the Source were sent in his stead. Meeting Dimitri at the Crossroads solved another problem: that of caring for three others dear to his heart. Since leaving Nicolai’s, he’d been fighting a growing uneasiness – it was hard being needed in so many places at one time. Lexor hoped by uniting those under his care he could offer protection to all. If things went well, he’d be there just in time to meet Dimitri. Lexor drafted the wind for scent, checking for anything out of the ordinary before bounding off.

  Chapter 4

  Stryke was the first brother to admit they’d made a mistake in dividing House Pilastro. Techn
ically, they were still united, but they’d let their true bond deteriorate to the point of futility. He had no problem with command, being confident even of leading those much older than himself. It was the daily planning and endless details of running a kingdom he could do without. Stryke was putting together a council of administrators to help, but it just didn’t feel right. Truth be told, he missed Viska’s friendship and expertise, and he tried to envision what the perimeter fences would look like if Artiem had a go at them.

  “Continue, sir?”

  Stryke’s distraction was broken. “Let’s take one more pass. Make sure to keep even spacing, slow down the riverside horses on the turn, but get them moving quickly once it’s made.”

  “Yes, sir!” Dominic, Stryke’s field marshal turned his warhorse and galloped off.

  Stryke had to rein back his own eager steed: today, they’d be watching only, taking in a panoramic view of the mounted troops and the surrounding landscape. Beyond the view of the soldiers lay ice-covered mountains marked by large cratered summits that spoke of their volcanic origins. Stryke’s mind raced ahead to his date with Jody tonight; things were definitely getting serious. The formalities of kingship were presenting obstacles that never existed before his father’s death. Maybe he should have just let Viska deal with the whole mess and then he’d be free. There wasn’t anything written into the division agreement that he knew of…

  Stryke raised his left arm, bringing a fast response. A rider broke ranks and galloped to his side. “Justin, I’m sending you on a little trip.”

  “Sir?”

  “Six days hard ride to my father’s palace. I’ll get the dispatch ready tonight; you leave in the morning.”

  “Yes, sir!” Justin jockeyed back into rank, rejoining his comrades seamlessly, sporting a colossal smile. A field trip—how incredibly awesome!