Chained By Fear: 2 (7 page)

Laylah saw no windows or exits until they reached the floor of the tower, where they came upon two doors: one small and plain, the other much larger and adorned with intricate carvings of the phases of the moon.

“This opens into the interior gardens of the palace,” said Urbana, gesturing toward the fancier door. “Many flowers and plants thrive there that do not otherwise grow in this part of the land. King Invictus has developed special ways to keep them alive. Would you care to see the gardens, young princess?”

“Where does the other door lead?”

“To a stone path that extends into the valley. It is well worth the walk. The grass is lush and filled with blooming flowers. I’ve never traveled west of the mountains, but emissaries have told me that the valley of Avici is every bit as beautiful as the Green Plains. Would you prefer that door, young princess? Your favorite tree is just a quick stroll from here. King Invictus chose to build near the great sycamore, which is much larger, I imagine, than you will remember.”

“It has only been eight years. How much could it have grown?”

“Invictus has nourished the tree, just as he has nourished the city. I’ve been here for just a year, and in that short time Avici has more than doubled in size.”

Laylah was unimpressed. “I’d prefer the valley over the gardens. Is the door locked?”

“It’s not locked, nor is the other, but both are guarded—for your protection, of course. King Invictus grows more powerful each day, but he has jealous enemies. Your brother would not want you to be harmed just because of his unpopularity in certain circles.”

A simple sliding latch held the smaller door in place. Laylah opened it and stepped from the semi-darkness of the stairwell into the blinding light of a summer morning. She covered her eyes and winced. As was often the case when she ventured outside during the day, Laylah became mildly sick to her stomach. It was as if the sun disliked her.

But Urbana was pleased. She spread her arms and took a deep breath.

“Isn’t it wonderful? Each time I walk in this valley, I feel as if it’s the first time I’ve ever walked freely beneath the sun. Come, young princess. Let us follow the path into the clearing.”

“You spoke of guards, but I don’t see them. Where are they hidden?”

“Do not concern yourself. If there were any trouble, they would make their presence known.”

Laylah memorized her surroundings. As she faced outward from the tower, the valley was in front of her and to her right, while one of the outer walls of the two-story palace was to her left. The wall was sheathed with cream-gray ashlars interspersed with squares of dark marble, and several arched windows were adorned with molded cornices and monochrome glass. Through one of these windows Laylah could see the interior garden, where visitors wearing gold and white tunics admired the greenery.

Laylah and Urbana continued along the path. The mistress walked quickly, and Laylah found herself struggling to keep up. Thick grass grew right up to the stone, but it was well-groomed and did not trespass, as if it did not dare.

They were not alone. Others wandered nearby. But something was amiss. For the most part the residents of Avici seemed to bear vacant expressions. However, she occasionally passed someone whose countenance was anything but empty. To Laylah, these people looked hungry, and when they sneered, their stained teeth repulsed her.

All seemed to know Urbana and were respectful in her presence, but Laylah recognized no one from her past. Outwardly this new Avici was a place of peace and prosperity. But Laylah sensed an iniquity that seeped into her bones.

As they approached the sycamore, Laylah’s heart sank. The tree was not as she remembered. It had been large when she was a girl, but it was now absurdly huge—at least two hundred cubits tall. The rope swing was there, with much longer ropes than it used to have.

“I don’t understand
 . . .
” Laylah said, staring upward. “It’s not possible.”

“With King Invictus, all things are possible. The sun is his mother.”

“His mother is dead. In fact, he murdered his mother
 . . .
my
mother.”

With a ferocity that startled her, Urbana snapped at Laylah. “Your mother was nothing,
little one
! Just a small person in a much larger game. Get over it and move on. The great cannot deny greatness.”

Laylah stepped back. “Who
are
you? And who are these people?”

As suddenly as her rage appeared, the blissful expression returned to Urbana’s face. “I’m the mistress of the robes, of course. Have I not said so before? And ‘these people’ are the blessed disciples of King Invictus.”

“Are they free to come and go?”

The mistress did not answer.

“And what about me?” Laylah said. “Am
I
free to go?”

“The valley is yours.”

“But what if I tried to leave the valley?”

“King Invictus would prefer you do not. It took him a long time to find you, and he desires sufficient time to earn back your trust.”

“But if I tried to leave, what would happen? That is my question, servant of the Q
ueen
. Answer it!”

Once again, Urbana’s face darkened. Her mouth curled, forming a hideous leer. Sharp teeth were temporarily exposed. “There are those among us capable of preventing you.”

“I’m a prisoner, then.”

“You are our god’s sister. No other words need be spoken.”

As if in response to the woman’s pronouncement, a shadow descended from the sky, followed by a loud flapping and a hot blast of air. Several times during her life with the Ropakans, Laylah had seen dragons. For the most part they had been just specks flying high above. But once she had seen a dragon up close. She and Takoda were following a blind mountain path lined with rock walls, and when they came around an exposed bend, a massive female was sunning herself on a ledge. The beast was deeply asleep and did not hear their approach, but she and Takoda were paralyzed with fear, unable to move. The dragon’s golden scales glittered in the sunlight, and her massive torso expanded and contracted ever so slowly as she breathed. Laylah and her father finally found the will to retreat, not wanting to face the beast’s wrath. Everyone knew that some dragons were more vicious than others.

In some ways the creature that landed near Laylah looked like the dragon she had seen that day with Takoda. But in other ways, it was far different. The real dragon was more than one hundred cubits long. This creature was much smaller, about twice the height and weight of an ordinary man. And unlike a full-sized dragon, it walked on its hind legs. A dracool. It looked dangerous, its heavy muscles covered with scales and its enormous snout overflowing with fangs. Laylah had heard of these creatures before but had never seen one.

She backed away, not sure what to expect, but then an even greater horror emerged from behind the dracool. Invictus climbed off its back and strolled toward her, a grin on his boyish face. The dracool remained where it stood, in obeisance to the sorcerer’s will.

“Are you pleased, my sister? I preserved the tree just for you. I knew one day you would return.”

“You have not preserved it. You have changed it into a monster as gruesome as yourself.”

Urbana gasped. The dracool reared up on its clawed toes and spread its leathery wings. Invictus’ eyes narrowed, but he did not lose his temper. When the dracool stomped forward, the sorcerer waved his hand and froze the creature in place.

“After the banquet, your attitude will change. Things will be different
 . . .
for you and for me. You have much to learn that only I can teach you. But I believe in you. And I love you. One day you will love me, too.”

“I’ll
never
love you. I’ll
always
hate you. How many times do I have to say it?”

Invictus turned away and climbed back onto the dracool, ignoring her comments. But just before the beast flew off, he said one last thing. “I always get what I want. Your hatred of me will not prevent it.”

Then the dracool leapt upward and spiraled into the sky. Laylah watched it soar toward the palace and land on the flat roof. With Invictus gone, she felt as if she could breathe again. But she knew it was temporary. She had to find a way to escape. And she needed to learn more about the grounds of her prison before making the attempt.

Laylah returned to her room without resistance. To her surprise she did take a nap, as Urbana had suggested. When she woke, it was midafternoon. The breeze pouring through her window retained the unwavering warmth of summer.

Not long after she opened her eyes, something tapped at her door. Laylah wondered if she were being watched through some hidden hole in the wall or ceiling. The suspicion made her even more desperate. She remembered how happy she had felt while standing on the hillock with Takoda. Now that seemed like a distant memory. As long as she remained her brother’s prisoner, her suffering would never cease. She would rather die attempting to escape than remain his captive. But if she managed to free herself, what then? Where would she go? Her only hope was to return to the mountains and attempt to find another Ropakan village. But she realized—with a jolt of despair—that she would endanger the lives of anyone she joined. Would she be forced to spend the rest of her life wandering alone in the wilderness, a recluse without family or friends? If so, even that would be preferable to her current situation.

She heard a second bout of tapping, this time with more insistence. Laylah stared at the door with dread. But she knew she couldn’t continue to hide in her bedchamber feeling sorry for herself. To escape, she would need a plan. If she ran heedlessly, she probably wouldn’t get far. Even if she were capable of destroying those who hunted her, she would be helpless the moment her brother appeared. She had tested herself against him and had failed. She would have to find a way to be far from Avici before he became aware of her disappearance. It wouldn’t be easy.

“Come in,” Laylah said.

The door swung open, and Urbana entered. The mistress of the robes already was dressed for the night’s festivities, adorned in a full tunic with surcoat and cloak, all black. Her eyelids and lips were darkened with kohl, but her skin was as pale as white chalk. The severe contrast was frightening. Laylah shrank away.

Which made Urbana smile.

“Your brother passed me in the garden just a short while ago and told me how beautiful I looked. It’s obvious you agree. But enough small talk. We have barely the time to prepare you, properly, for the banquet. This is the most important night of your life, young princess. You must look the part. The guests are eager to meet you. King Invictus has bragged shamelessly about you.”

“I’d gladly trade places with you.”

Urbana cackled. “You see, you’re regaining your sense of humor. Soon Avici will feel like home again.”

“Forgive me if I disagree.”

“It’s futile to resist the king.”

“That might be true. But there’s one thing I comprehend better than anyone—the depths of his evil.”

“As I said before, gods are beyond judgment. They do as they please, when they please. I’ve found it’s best to join them, rather than fight. There are benefits to being a disciple of Invictus. One day I’ll tell you the wonderful things he has done for me. You will be amazed at what your brother can accomplish when he sets his mind to it.”

Laylah changed the subject. “Let’s get this over with. What am I to wear?”

Urbana’s face lit up, and she led Laylah to a large closet on the far side of the room. Inside was an array of gowns, cloaks, undergarments, headdresses, hose and shoes. Laylah had never seen such a fabulous wardrobe made from such exquisite fabrics.

“Anything you desire will be yours. As well as growing powerful, King Invictus has become rich. There is nothing he cannot afford.”

The mistress of the robes strolled to the back of the closet and brought out a silk gown with fur-trimmed collar, cuffs and hem. At first glance, the gown appeared to be white, but it changed colors depending on the light, transforming from white to gold to crimson.

Urbana clapped her hands, and an attendant darted into the room. She was one of her brother’s bizarre look-alikes, with yellow hair and brown eyes, and she performed whatever duties Urbana commanded with the nervous rush of one who has been frequently punished for the slightest misbehavior.

“Why is she so skittish? Do you beat her if she pops a button?”

“The ladies of the chamber are my servants. And I am your servant. You need not concern yourself with their behavior.”

Urbana then slapped the girl in the face. “Leave us! You’ve offended the young princess. Send in someone who is less clumsy.”

A trickle of blood oozed from the corner of the girl’s mouth. She bowed and ran from the room. Another quickly took her place.

Laylah glared into Urbana’s black eyes. “
Never
do that in my presence. If you do that again, I’ll slap
you
.”

Urbana snarled, exposing her swollen red tongue. “My allegiance is to King Invictus. And he has commanded that I obey your orders. For that reason only, I’ll do as you say. But even a queen needs to realize her limitations.”

“Our situations are more similar than you might think. Invictus is my guardian. But he is also yours.”

The mistress of the robes smiled wickedly. “Perhaps I have underestimated you. Very well. I’ll be more
respectful
with the servants
 . . .
while in your presence.” Then she smiled in a more pleasant fashion. “But now we must hurry. King Invictus prefers to conclude his affairs before nightfall. Your coronation rapidly approaches. It will be grand, I assure you.”

Laylah permitted herself to be dressed and perfumed. Diamonds and rubies were braided into her long, lush hair, which flowed about her shoulders. A pearl necklace was strung tight to her throat, and a golden ring was placed on each finger. Her youthful skin needed little adornment, but Urbana painted her lips red, put crimson rouge on her cheeks and rubbed blue chalk beneath her eyes. When Laylah looked at herself in the silver mirror, she was amazed.

“You look lovely, young miss,” the new servant girl said, and then lowered her gaze, as if expecting some form of punishment for daring to speak.

But if Urbana was angry, she didn’t show it.

“Doesn’t she, though?” the mistress said. “King Invictus will be pleased.”

Something pounded on the door. The servant girl opened it and then fell to her knees with her face pressed against the floor. A dracool stood in the opening. The creature was so tall it had to bend way down to peer into the room.

“King Invictus requests your presence immediately,” the dracool said, its tongue flicking the air. “The guests are becoming impatient.”

“We’re ready,” Urbana said. “Will you be so kind as to be our escort, Dracool-Izumo?”

“It will be my pleasure.”

Izumo bowed and then stomped toward the stairs, his heavy tail swaying back and forth. Laylah took a deep breath and followed the dracool, with Urbana and the young attendant at her side. Laylah felt so tense, she could barely breathe.

They reached the bottom of the stairs and then entered the garden. To Laylah’s left was a series of open doors, revealing a green lawn that stretched for several furlongs before bending upward toward a hill smothered with wildflowers. The interior garden smelled like a mixture of perfume, fresh leaves and rich soil. Stone trails wove through the flowers and shrubs. Under other circumstances, Laylah would have been entranced.

On the far side of the garden, a bronze door towered fifteen cubits high. A pair of columns framed the door, and they supported an arch obscured by a tangled vine sprouting hundreds of yellow flowers. In front of the door, a cord dangled from the high ceiling.

“Are you ready, young princess?” Izumo said, his tongue flicking rapidly.

“If I said no, would it matter?”

“King Invictus awaits,” the dracool said.

“Don’t worry,” Urbana said. “Izumo doesn’t bite. Nor do your other guests—at least, not today. They’re eager to meet you. There will be fabulous foods and exquisite wines. For as long as you live, you’ll never forget this banquet, I assure you. Your brother is a generous host.”

Izumo tugged on the cord. Bells chimed in response. Laylah took a long breath, and a single tear ran down her cheek. The young attendant dabbed it with a scented cloth.

“Be of light heart, little one,” the attendant said. Then she whispered, “Not all among you are allies of the king.”

She bowed and backed away.

As if on cue, the massive door swung open, revealing the ballroom. Izumo gestured for Laylah to make her entrance. She stepped inside and looked around. The grandeur stunned her.

Invictus emerged from a crowd of faces, wearing a high-collared gown draped over his shoulders. Colorful folly-bells hung from his girdle. The young sorcerer took her by the hand.

“Behold, Princess Laylah!” he said, his voice echoing throughout the room. “Beyond hope, my sister has returned from her wanderings. Welcome her with great joy.”

Cries, shouts and applause greeted her.

“Yes! Yes! YES!”

A servitor came forward and offered Invictus and Laylah crystal goblets of sparkling wine. Then the young sorcerer guided her into the room. She did not protest. A golden flow of energy surged from the palm of his hand into hers, deadening her resistance as effectively as if she had been drugged. Her mind observed the movements of her body, but she was helpless to control them. She felt like a puppet.

Invictus took her to a spectacular fountain in the center of the ballroom. Twelve silver dryads spurted water from their mouths, the jets crisscrossing in the air before spilling into a foamy pool.

“What do you think of my palace?” Invictus said. “It’s only a temporary residence until the tower is completed, but isn’t it beautiful?”

Laylah didn’t respond, but Invictus’ will compelled her to tilt her head toward the towering ceiling, which was laced with golden vaults supported by marble columns. Chandeliers sparkled in the soft light that entered the room through windows set into lavish indentations along the upper walls.

Without her permission, her eyes were directed downward along colored mosaics on the walls. The lower portion of the room was studded with arched windows. Through these, Laylah could see the impressive green lawn.

A receiving line formed. Invictus continued to grip her hand. As long as he did, she stood still as stone. First to greet her was the most beautiful woman Laylah had ever beheld. She seemed vaguely familiar, but Laylah couldn’t imagine where she might have seen her before. The woman took Laylah’s hand.

“My sister,” Invictus said. “Allow me to present Chal-Abhinno, Queen of the Warlish Witches.”

“The pleasure issss mine, Princess Laylah,” Chal said, her green eyes darting to-and-fro, as if afraid to look at Laylah directly.

“Thank her for her courtesy,” Invictus said to Laylah.

“Thank you
 . . .
”

Next up was a handsome soldier wearing golden armor that matched his long yellow hair. He cradled his helm in the crook of his arm.

“My sister,” Invictus said. “Allow me to present General Lucius Annaeus, the
legatus
of my army.”

“A hearty welcome, Princess Laylah,” General Lucius said. “I am at your command.”

“Thank you
 . . .
”

After Lucius came a druid. Laylah had never seen one of these creatures. But Takoda, who had ventured into the Dhutanga Forest several times, had described them to her. This one was more than seven cubits tall, and its fiery eyes glared down at her as if enraged. But it took her hand in its long bony fingers and bowed awkwardly.

“My sister,” Invictus said. “Allow me to present Druggen-Boggle, a druid representative from Dhutanga.”

Boggle did not speak. Instead, he hummed with great force, causing Laylah’s teeth to chatter.

“Tha-a-nk you
 . . .
”

The druid clattered off, and a grotesque beast with the head and torso of a woman but with bat-like wings instead of arms followed next. Laylah would have fled at the sight of it, but Invictus’ grip held her in place. The creature’s flesh was bizarrely translucent, reminding her of Vedana’s.

“My sister,” Invictus said. “Allow me to present Pisaaca, a demon representative from Arupa-Loka.”