House of Ravens (The Nightfall Chronicles Book 2) (7 page)

I'm not actually expecting an answer, because I'm not sure one exists, but he responds. "People aren't perfect, but they need to be given a chance to better themselves. To live. To figure out where they fit in this giant cog of humanity."

Right. So he doesn't really know the answer either.

He reaches over to pet the cat, and the cat purrs louder. "Have you given him a name?"

"Not yet."

"How about Nox?"

I look down at the black cat with the big gold eyes. "Latin for night?"

The Chancellor smiles. "I'm glad to see you've learned your Latin. But I'm not surprised." His eyes get a faraway look that I now recognize as him thinking about his daughter. "You mother always did have an ear for the dead languages."

I want to ask more about her, but I don't think I can handle talking about that right now. Instead, I look down at the cat. "Original. Naming a black cat Night."

"I like the night," he says. "Sometimes we must work under the cloak of darkness to find the light."

I'm about to respond to his nebulous comment when he pushes himself slowly off the ground and holds his hand out to me. "Would you escort an old man to the ceremony? I'll likely enjoy it about as much as you, but we are expected to be there. And sometimes we have to play our part if we want our real work to matter."

I let him help me up with one hand as I keep the cat secure in the other. "Of course. Can we walk by my room first so I can drop the cat off and get my robes?"

He nods and walks by my side in silence. I set up a box with paper for the cat and grab my Initiate robe, throwing it on over my regular clothes. With a stern warning to Nox not to eat or pee on anything while I'm gone, we head to the procession, which is set to take place in center of the courtyard.

Students have already swarmed the courtyard, and the Grandmasters are lined up to receive King Varian. Chancellor Forrester stands by them and I wander off to the side as I try to avoid being trampled by the other students. The Fall Quarter hasn't started yet, so we aren't at capacity in the Castle, but it sure feels like we are right now.

I look around for familiar faces, for Corinne or Wytt, but I don't see either of them.

The drawbridge is decorated with bright flags and trumpets blast from along the wall as the Chancellor clears his throat and speaks to the crowd. "King Varian of the House of Ravens of Sapientia, Knight of the First Order of the Templars, we welcome you to Castle Vianney."

More trumpets, and now I see them coming up the drawbridge into the courtyard, young men and women walking in step, dressed in gold and black with the Ravens house sigil flying on flags. A gold raven on black.

They split to the side, revealing the King and his family. Corinne and Wytt are there, but it takes me a moment to recognize them. Corinne EZ-Dyed her hair back to a dark chestnut brown and is wearing a glorious golden gown with black lace trim that flows around her feet. It glitters with tiny yellow stones that shimmer under the setting sun. Her face is accented with golden eye shadow and dark red lipstick, and she wears a small golden and jeweled crown on her head. Wytt stands by her side, equally impressive in black velvet and leather with dark eyeliner making his purple eyes pop. And to his right must be Kai, the oldest Prince. He doesn't smile or look at anyone, his posture that annoying mix of arrogant and bored. I roll my eyes at how stereotypical of a Prince he is, but I can't deny he's impressive with those royal purple eyes, strong jaw, tan skin, and a shock of messy black hair. He looks fit, healthy, like he knows how to use that gleaming sword hanging at his hip.

And then there's King Varian, the most impressive of them all. He stands tall, a commander who knows his rank and place. He's also arrogant, but in the way that is earned from hard battle. A way that others respect. He's huge, just as I remember. All muscle. Tall. He wears black armor with a golden fur cape. His brown hair is long and held at the nape of his neck with a leather strap. Atop his head sits a gold crown embedded with black diamonds. He wears two swords, and they aren't merely ornamental. I glance down at my new hand and shiver. I know all too well how good he is with a blade.

Corinne, Wytt and Kai move to stand near the Grandmasters and the King walks up and focuses his penetrating gaze on Ragathon, which surprises me. They're not even in the same Order.

He holds out his hand to Ragathon, who takes it with obvious reluctance. The King smiles. "Hello, brother."

My gasp is almost audible. Brothers? They're related?

The veins on Ragathon's hand pop out as he squeezes the King's. "We are no longer brothers, my King."

King Varian chuckles, and I feel confused. Because I hate Ragathon, so I love that the King makes him squirm. But the King, he's dangerous, and he's my enemy.

The King turns to examine the students and Grandmasters before speaking to Ragathon again. "It seems order has grown lax since last I was here. Two failed executions, and no one of note has risen through the ranks of Castle Vianney in many years."

He turns his eyes to Jax, the Seeker, and Thane, who are all standing at attention by the Grandmasters. With a practiced eye, he studies them. "It's time for a change. It's time to see if anyone here has any worth."

Ragathon sneers. "It's not like you've done any better against Nightfall and her rebels."

King Varian looks back at Ragathon and smiles. "You assume, brother, that my intention was to capture her. That's always been your mistake. Going in with both guns blazing with all the subtlety of a bull in a china shop. What did our father always teach us? The lesson you failed to learn. To defeat an enemy, you must first know them. Today I learned more about Nightfall, her team, her motivation, her abilities, than you have in all this time trying to capture her. I accomplished exactly what I set out to do. I discovered Nightfall's weakness."

My hands shake and I hold them to make them stop. This isn't good. This is very, very bad.

Ragathon sneers. "And did part of that lesson include making a fool out of yourself to the world with that recording?"

I expect to see Varian get mad, but he smiles instead. "You put too much importance in your own pride and reputation. It limits you. Public opinion is as changing as the weather. I lost little compared to what I gained."

King Varian turns to the crowd and raises his voice. "I'm hosting a tournament tomorrow. All younger Knights from Castle Vianney must compete. The winner will receive a Royal Favor at my discretion. It's time to see what kind of Knights our Orders have produced!"

There's much cheering and shouting as the procession officially comes to an end. We're dismissed by the large bell that signals the dining hall is open.

I've already finished my Life Force and am eating marshmallows and chocolates when Corinne and Wytt set their trays down and join me. They've both changed back into their Initiate robes, and Corinne's hair is back to pink, but I can see the remnants of their costuming in the makeup. It's amazing how much clothing can transform them from normal-looking young adults to splendid royalty.

"You two looked incredible," I say through a bite of yummy whiteness.

Wytt mock bows then picks up a fork and spears his steak. "Thank you. I do my best to impress the ladies."

Corinne chuckles and takes a bite of her cheeseburger, chewing and swallowing before speaking. "I'm starving. Dad wouldn't let us eat lunch. We spent all afternoon getting fitted for our outfits."

"It was quite a show," I say.

Corinne rolls her eyes. "It's nothing. Just theatre." She leans forward, a mischievous grin on her face. "Never mind about politics, tell us about your apartment and what you did all weekend."

Wytt smiles. "Yes, do tell. It must be glorious, all that space to yourself, no one telling you what to wear or when to eat or drink or what to say. Freedom. Utter, delightful, enviable freedom!"

I look back and forth between them and realize they are dead serious. This is exciting for them. "It's really not that interesting. Nor is it all that spacious. My apartment's pretty small." I assume this is true, but even a big apartment in New York could be considered small to someone who grew up in a castle.

"But what did you do all weekend? Anything fun?" Corinne asks.

"Um, not terribly. I mean, I read books, got some rest, watched some movies, walked around a bit. That's mostly it." I'm surprised by how much I hate lying to them, these friends I've only known for a few days. Whose father wants to destroy me. But I do. I hate it. I hate every dishonest word that comes out of my mouth, but I know I have to keep saying them or everything I'm trying to build will fall apart.

We're still talking about my apartment, a place I've never even seen, when Jax comes over and sits next to me.

"Have you seen Scarlett's apartment?" Corinne asks.

He looks at me with a raised eyebrow. "No, I haven't."

I shrug, trying to look casual. "I figured it would be good to have a place of my own to go to when I need time alone."

He nods. "You always did like your own space."

"Are you going to be in the tournament?" I ask, changing the subject.

"Yes," he says. "Anyone who's a Knight is required."

Wytt smiles big. "It's going to be so cool. This is a great build-up for the Tournament Festival after finals."

"What's that?" I ask.

Wytt grins. "It's a weeklong festival here at Castle V. There are lotteries throughout the world to give people who can't afford the outrageously high tickets a chance to attend. It's a lot of fun. And Knights from everywhere come to compete. The winner gets a Boon from the Pope!"

"That sounds fun," I say, distracted by all the laughing and yelling around us as people talk about the tournament tomorrow. I didn't realize tournaments were such a big deal.

Wytt stands to leave. "I've got to place my bets before tomorrow."

Corinne grabs his robe before he walks off. "Nope. Remember, you promised our father. No more betting."

He groans and slumps back onto the bench. "Why'd you have to remind me? It's just a bit of fun." Wytt looks over longingly at a group of people placing bets, Thane in the center, puffing out his chest and laughing.

"All of you who bet on someone else are just burning your money," Thane says. "I'm betting two million… on myself. Bet against me at your own risk."

The chattering stops as the others around him stare open-mouthed.

I lean over and whisper to my friends. "Where'd he get so much money?"

"Stories are," Wytt says, "it's not all legal."

That makes me curious. An Inquisitor and Cardinal, sworn to protect the law, potentially dealing in illegal activity. I wonder why no one has investigated.

A young woman with curly hair and a sweet smile walks up to our table with a large basket full of colorful ribbons. "Get your token and choose your Knight!" she says.

Corinne pulls out some coins and picks a red ribbon. "Scarlett," she says, smiling, "you should give one to Jax."

I blush and glance at Jax. "Jax doesn't need a token to win, I'm sure."

Jax clears his throat and stands to leave. "I've got a meeting to get to. I'll see you all later." He turns to me. "Bye, Scarlett."

"Bye." I pick up a piece of chocolate and look at Corinne, who's studying her ribbon. "Who are you giving yours to?"

Wytt nudges her shoulder. "My guess is The Seeker. Right, sis?"

Corinne blushes and nods.

Wytt continues his teasing. "My sister has a crush on the Knight. I don't blame her. Kira's hot."

"I just think she's very skilled," Corinne says. "And she's one of the highest ranking female Knights in her order. I admire that."

Then she giggles and covers her mouth. "And she
is
really hot." 

***

This morning we are all excited. It's hard not to be with the small town of Vianney thrown into festival mood overnight by the announcement of the tournament. I have to give credit to the local business owners who must have been up all night preparing for this impromptu day. Normally, they aren't even open on Sunday, let alone out with booths and baskets hawking their wares to everyone.

Corinne, Wytt and I walk through the crowded line of vendors and excited students until we're standing in front of the Arena entrance.

This is the first time I've seen the Arena up close. Modeled after the amphitheaters and arenas of Ancient Rome—but far larger—it was built in the middle of Vianney Park, with rounded walls of stone. Inside, the stadium is made of stone mixed with marble, with a center staging area for battles.

"Where should we sit?" Corinne asks.

I look around. "I'm not sure. But, can you guys wait here for a second? I'll be right back."

"No problem," says Wytt.

I thank them and run off. I need to find Jax. I ask a few people who direct me toward the entrance where the Knights prepare for battle. It's a large room under the arena seating and is full of Knights in a flurry of preparation. I easily spot Jax, one of the few not running around like a headless chicken. I'm a bit nervous, even a little shy, as I approach him. "Hey."

He smiles and sets his sword down on a table near him. "Hey."

I wring my hands and try to keep eye contact with him. "Look, I know things have been hard, and you had your reason for keeping secrets, and I just want you to know, I forgive you. You're still my best friend, and I don't want to lose that."

His face visibly relaxes. "Scarlett, I hate keeping secrets from you. I hate that I had to lie to you. I can't tell you how much it means that you've forgiven me."

I stick my hand in my pocket and pull out the wings he gave me the day my parents were killed. "I wanted you to have this. As a token. The ribbons felt a little…"

"Clichéd?"

I laugh. "Something like that."

He accepts the token and sticks it to the breastplate of his armor. "Thank you. It means a lot to me."

"Be careful," I say.

"It's not a tournament to the death. I'll be fine."

Men. "Maybe not to the death, but people do get hurt playing with swords."

He chuckles. "I promise to be careful while playing with my sword."

I want to grab him and shake him for making me feel so many conflicted things. Instead I smile, wish him luck again and go back to my friends who are waiting for me by the entrance.

Wytt waggles his eyebrows and winks at me. "Methinks the lady has indeed bestowed upon her favored Knight a token of luck."

"Shut it, Wytt," Corinne says. "Leave her alone."

We're about to choose a seat wherever we can find one before the Arena fills up, when Evie speaks into my ear. "Your grandfather requests your presence in the V.I.P. seating."

I look up at the same time Wytt and Corinne do. Likely they got the same message from their father, because the Chancellor, King Varian and the other Grandmasters are all seated in a special box not accessible from general seating. I'm about to ask how to get there when an Inquisition Guard arrives. "Princess, Prince, Miss Night, I've been sent to escort you to your seats."

Corinne and Wytt look nonplussed, so I go without objection. They're probably used to this. I'll have to get used to it, too. I'm not a Princess, but I'm no longer anonymous either.

When we arrive at the V.I.P. Box, Ragathon glares at me. "What's she doing here?"

My grandfather clears his throat and frowns at the belligerent Grandmaster. "She is my granddaughter, and as such is entitled to enjoy today's festivities here, with her family. Just as the Princess and Princes are allowed to join you and your brother, the King."

He doesn't say those last words like acid thrown on Ragathon's face, but that's certainly how they land, and I smile inwardly. I might start calling him Grandfather if he keeps this up.

King Varian nods to Corinne and Wytt, and I notice Prince Kai is already here, but paying us no mind. Fine by me.

Corinne, Wytt and I take our seats as wait staff from the Castle serve us chilled wine, dried and fresh fruit, a variety of cheeses and crackers and three choices of meat, cut and speared on delicate silver toothpicks for ease.

I have to admit, getting the V.I.P. treatment isn't awful.

Trumpets sound as the tournament begins. Two Knights meet in the center of the arena and begin their battle.

"Miss Night, have you ever been to a tournament?"

I look up from my assortment of treats in surprise, to find King Varian talking to me. "No, Your Majesty."

"Pay close attention and you will learn a great deal about each Knight here."

I nod, unsure of what to say. He leans closer to me and points to the Knights currently dueling. "You see that one, how he keeps missing? He's not watching his opponent's torso, only their arms, their hands, their weapon. He's seeing the move a fraction of a second too late because of that. It's why he'll lose this match."

Despite myself, and my fear of this man, I hang on his words, anxious to learn everything I can about combat and swordplay. For myself and my alter ego.

I watch, and see what he's talking about. And he's right. That Knight loses.

He keeps up a commentary with me and his children throughout the tournament, probing us to notice small details we would have missed otherwise. When Jax fights a Knight in hand-to-hand combat, I cringe, unable to eat or drink until the match is over and he's safe. King Varian pays close attention to Jax and nods at the end. "He has the makings of a great Knight."

Ragathon frowns even more deeply at that. He's pretty much spent the entire tournament looking like he's sucking on rotten lemons. Poor guy. Must be hard to be so unlikable.

After many hours, the final three Knights are announced. Jax, Thane and The Seeker.

When Jax and The Seeker are put together to decide who will move on to fight Thane, I grip the edge of my seat and scoot forward, barely breathing as they fight sword to sword, the clank of metal ringing through the now quiet Arena.

King Varian makes a few comments, but I don't pay attention. Not this time. I can see my pilot wings on Jax's breastplate as he fights, and Corinne's red ribbon hanging from The Seeker.

They battle with a ferocity that invigorates me. When, in the last moment, Jax disarms her and wins, I let out a breath in a whoosh of relief.

Corinne slumps in her chair, and Wytt pats her back. "Cheer up, sister. At least it was Jax she lost to and not Thane."

Ragathon grumbles, also displeased his protégé lost to Jax. "They shouldn't let Zeniths into these. It's an unfair advantage. Why do we even use that word—Zenith? These people are not the pinnacle of humans, they're the vermin."

King Varian shakes his head and smiles the way you would at a child who keeps making the same silly mistake over and over. "When Zeniths appeared, the people chose the word," the King explains, "and so we had a choice. To fight the public and make them 'wrong', thus giving them power, or to allow them the illusion of choice, as we slowly worked from within to make their choice work for us. Through subtle marketing and a very effective public perception campaign, we changed the meaning of the word 'Zenith.' They think they chose, but we control what they think and do about Zeniths." He shakes his head at his brother. "But I wouldn't expect you to grasp the subtleties of mental warfare. If we did things your way, we'd just create a bunch of martyrs that would incite the people to revolt."