The Rogue Knight (29 page)

“Why come here?” Cole asked.

“To varying degrees, all torivors feel the call to move beyond our home world,” he said. “Life there is perfect, except for a certain . . . sameness. I am not the first to depart. Leaving eternity to enter time changed my very existence. Sequence became relevant—yesterday, today, and tomorrow. In a realm of beginnings and endings, I could die. What happens to an eternal being who dies in a temporal reality? Would I be erased? Or would some part of me journey on?”

“You said I would live on,” Cole said.

“Part of you will, yes,” Trillian said. “I can see that plainly. But can you recognize it in yourself?”

“Not really,” Cole said. “I hope it's true.”

“I see the eternal component in you, but I can't perceive anything in myself besides what I am here and now. I would not want to risk dying here. If I found my life in jeopardy, I would rather return home.”

“But for now you're stuck,” Cole said.

“Indeed,” Trillian replied. “You're stuck here too.”

“I want to find my friends and get home,” Cole admitted. “We never meant to come here.”

“I know.”

“Do you know where I can find Jenna?”

“No.”

“Could you find out?”

“Probably. It would take time. But I have no interest in learning her whereabouts. That problem is yours to solve.”

“Is there . . . ,” Cole began, but he got choked up. The questioned mattered too much to him to finish it.

“. . . a way for you to get home?” Trillian supplied. “Not if you want to stay there. Not the way things are currently arranged.”

“Could they be rearranged?” Cole asked.

“Somebody with enough power could do it,” Trillian said.

“You?”

“Certainly, if I were free. Others, perhaps.”

“Who?” Cole asked.

Trillian waved a dismissive hand. “Enough irrelevant trivia.”

Cole wanted to press the torivor for more information, but he could tell Trillian was done with the subject. At least he knew there was a way! He couldn't wait to tell Dalton.

“You already know what we came here for,” Cole said. “There isn't much for me to say. Are you going to help us?”

Trillian smiled. “That question has burned in you since our conversation started. Though I can see your mind, Cole, there remains an element of mystery to you. It's the main principle that keeps you mortals interesting. Your past is clear to me, as are your present thoughts, but I can't be sure what you will choose tomorrow. I don't know how you might react to new information. I don't know because you don't know. I can guess, but I can't be sure. You temporal beings are capable of shocking change. Your opinions and attitudes evolve. You lie to yourselves. Your emotions fluctuate. These concepts are foreign to me. I see countless examples in your memory, but I don't expect to ever truly understand your fundamental nature.”

“You don't change?” Cole asked.

“Not really,” Trillian said. “At least not in my home world. In this temporal state, there may be unexplored possibilities. But in any state I cannot deceive myself. Who I am and what I want are in agreement.”

“What are you trying to guess about me?” Cole said. “Do you have an offer?”

“I take an interest in the five kingdoms. I will not be locked away forever. This world had a beginning, and so it will come to an end. But my time here is tedious. I enjoy influencing this realm through the people I train and send abroad.”

“You want me to do something?” Cole asked.

Trillian waved an arm, and they stood on a circular platform high in the sky. A large white moon gave light. Stars sparkled above. Cool air wafted around them.

As the platform began to descend, Trillian walked to the edge. There was no railing. Cole followed carefully and peered down.

Far below, in the distance, a town was under attack. Tiny people ran from a numberless mob of other tiny people.

“The threat from Morgassa and her horde is real,” Trillian said heavily. “These images came to me last week from one of my winged servants. The situation perturbs me. Peculiar elements are at play. Someone unleashed powers that they cannot control. I have sent out many scouts to investigate the problem. Thanks to your conversation with the soldier who witnessed the horde up close, you have better clarified the situation than the few servants who returned with far-removed visions like this one.”

“Honor can help us stop Morgassa,” Cole said.

Trillian stared at him silently. The torivor waved a hand, and they were back in the warm room with the fancy floor and the exotic furniture.

“Unchecked, Morgassa will overrun Elloweer within a month,” Trillian said. “I do not wish to see Elloweer destroyed. A live kingdom is a more interesting place to be imprisoned than a dead one.”

“What if Morgassa came here?” Cole asked.

Trillian tapped a finger against his cheek. “I'm not certain. Her strengths differ from mine. Even here, she could pose a threat to me. It would not be a dull contest.”

“Why not give us Honor and let us go after Morgassa?”

Trillian tilted his head. “Might you succeed? Possibly. Time to bring in your friend.” Trillian clapped, and Jace appeared. Jace looked over at Cole, surprised.

“This is Trillian,” Cole said. “We're dreaming.”

“I know,” Jace said. “I've been talking to him.”

“I've been speaking to each of you separately,” Trillian said. “Time to confer together. You both want Honor. As does Mira. I brought Honor here for my own reasons. Given the threat posed by Morgassa, I am not entirely unwilling to let her go. But I will not make her a free gift. Such a prize must be earned, and I love contests.”

“Why not just help us?” Cole cried.

“Giving you a chance is help enough,” Trillian said. “You, Jace, and Mira must participate in the contest together, or we have no deal. If you win, Honor leaves with you. If I win, you all belong to me.”

“Leave Mira out of it,” Jace said.

“No,” Trillian said. “Cole will go fetch her. If he doesn't return with her, he should not return at all. I asked to see all three of you, and you ignored my request. It's time to heed me. You're worried that the contest will be impossible to win. It will be difficult, but possible. If you had no chance of success, there would be no sport in it.”

“Why did you bring Honor here?” Cole asked.

“Bring Mira,” Trillian said. “That is all.”

The torivor waved a hand, and Cole opened his eyes. He was on the circular white bed in the small room without corners. No sleepiness lingered. The door stood open, and Hina was waiting.

C
HAPTER

 29 

CONTEST

C
ole found Mira, Dalton, Twitch, Skye, and Minimus waiting on the Red Road just outside the gates. Mira and Dalton ran to him as soon as he appeared. They looked anxious and relieved.

“Are you all right?” Mira asked.

“I'm okay,” Cole said. He felt reluctant to deliver the message from Trillian.

“You were gone for hours,” Twitch said.

“What happened?” Dalton asked.

“Where's Jace?” Mira wondered.

“The torivor has Jace,” Cole said. “We talked to him.”

“What's he like?” Skye asked.

“I don't know,” Cole said. “He visited me in a dream. He's from another world, but in the dream he looked human. He has a pretty high opinion of himself. He could read my mind.” Cole glanced back at the desolate view of the skeletal castle through the fence. “That place looks a lot different from the inside. Maybe what we see from here is a seeming. Maybe it's all a big seeming once you go through the gates.”

“How scary is he?” Dalton asked.

“He's not like a giant scorpipede,” Cole said. “He's scary because he's smart and really powerful. He can get inside your head. He knows a lot. He said it might be possible for us to get back home. Our hopes might not be completely crazy!”

“Are you serious?” Dalton's eyes lit up. “Where do we go? What do we do?”

“He wouldn't explain how, but he told me somebody with enough power could change how it all works—could fix things so we could get home and stay there.”

“Cole, that's wonderful news,” Mira said. “And did you see Honor?” she asked, not quite keeping her voice steady.

“No,” Cole said, deflating a bit. “I'm sorry, I didn't. Trillian has her, though—definitely. He says he'll give her to us if we win a contest.”

“What kind of contest?” Dalton asked.

“He didn't really explain,” Cole replied. “Jace, Mira, and I have to do it together. All he promised is that we'd have a chance to win.”

“And if we lose?” Mira asked.

“He keeps us,” Cole said. “Like he's keeping Honor.”

“Meanwhile he's holding Jace hostage?” Mira asked.

“Pretty much,” Cole said.

Mira tossed up her hands. “I have to try.”

Skye stepped forward. “Are you sure? Without any daughters of the High King, the revolution doesn't stand a chance.”

Mira shrugged. “I have three other sisters. Without Honor, Elloweer is doomed. I'm not going to abandon my sister if there is a chance of saving her.”

“Then I must insist on accompanying you,” Minimus spoke up. “The Rogue Knight left you in my care.”

“I don't think you're invited,” Cole said. “Trillian made it clear the contest is for me, Jace, and Mira alone.”

“The best way to protect me might be letting me go with Cole,” Mira said. “We don't want to cross Trillian. We're lucky he's willing to give us a chance.”

“It might not be much of a chance,” Twitch said. “How do you know the torivor isn't lying about the contest to get you to come to him? He may not let any of you go.”

“He said he never lies,” Cole said. “Of course, that could be a lie.”

“I'm willing to risk it,” Mira said. “How about you, Cole?”

Cole closed his eyes and tapped his forehead with his fists. He wasn't sure what they should do, but Mira needed his take at least. “I don't know,” Cole said, opening his eyes. “I think it's a real contest. Of course, that could be what the torivor wants me to think. Trillian seems really smart. He was almost polite. He seems bored. He said he wanted to give us a sporting chance. I believe he meant it, but I have no idea how bad this whole contest thing will actually be. It could be a nightmare. But we can't just leave Jace in there. Honor either. It's up to you, Mira. If you're in, I'm with you.”

“Let's go,” Mira said, walking toward the open gate.

“If you're not back in a day, I'll come for you,” Minimus pledged.

“That's up to you,” Mira said. “Nobody has to come after us. I doubt it would do any good. Hopefully, we'll see you soon.”

Cole and Dalton tapped knuckles.

“Be careful,” Dalton said. He looked worried.

Cole put an arm around his friend. “Promise me something.”

“Sure,” Dalton said.

“If I don't make it back, find Jenna. Help her. Don't give up until you're home.”

“Okay,” Dalton said thickly.

Cole looked at Twitch. “And you save your village.”

“Will do,” Twitch replied.

“You ready?” Mira asked, standing where the Red Road ended.

Cole slapped the Jumping Sword at his side. “Nope. But let's go.”

He crossed to her, and they stepped through together. Hina and two guards awaited them on the far side, beside a fancy coach glittering with gemstones. A harness of red leather and gold connected six white horses to the vehicle.

“Welcome, Miracle Pemberton,” Hina said. She made a gesture, and one of the guards opened the door to the coach.

“Where was this for me?” Cole complained.

“You're not royalty,” Hina responded.

Cole glanced at Mira, who was taking in the glorious surroundings with astonished eyes. “That woman is beautiful,” Mira whispered.

“Yeah,” Cole said. “We had to walk last time.”

Mira led the way to the coach and climbed in. Cole followed her quickly, a little worried they might deny him permission to join her. Hina rode her beefy horse while the guards drove the coach. The crystalline landscape flashed by as the coach whooshed along the redder than red road.

They stopped at the ethereal palace, and Hina led them inside. She guided them up some glossy stairs and stopped outside of an ornate door. “Here is a room for you, Miracle,” Hina said with a slight bow.

“Let me guess,” Cole said. “It's nicer than mine?”

Mira shot him a wink. Hina ignored him.

“Go to sleep,” Cole told her. “See you in Dreamland.”

Mira went inside, and Hina closed the door.

“You should treat a princess with greater courtesy,” Hina said.

“Like by trapping one in a castle?” Cole replied.

Unruffled, she led him to another door and indicated it. “You may stay in here.”

The room was similar to his previous one. After the door was shut, Cole went straight to the bed. He wondered how long it would take to sleep. The bed was luxuriously comfy, but he didn't feel tired, so he stared at the ceiling.

Cole wondered what sort of contest they would face. Would it involve fighting? Would it be something intellectual, like riddles or trivia? Could it be a game of chance, like playing poker or something? He made himself smile as he pictured himself and Jace competing against Trillian and Mira in a three-legged race.

After some time, a strong sense of drowsiness washed over him. The sensation was too sudden to be natural, but he didn't try to fight it. His closed his eyes and effortlessly fell asleep.

He was back in the room with the fancy floor and the exotic furniture. Standing with his hands behind his back, Trillian greeted him with a nod. Mira and Jace were there as well.

“Welcome, Cole and Jace,” Trillian said.

“Are you all right?” Jace asked Mira.

“I've been better,” she said.

“Miracle Pemberton could one day be High Queen of the Outskirts,” Trillian said. “Of course, there are obstacles, three of them being her elder sisters Elegance, Honor, and Constance. Another is her father, who pretended to kill her and her siblings and probably wishes to kill her in truth now that he retains no portion of her shaping power.”

“I never wanted to be High Queen,” Mira said. “Elegance can have it.”

“This is true,” Trillian said. “You view your royal heritage as an unwelcome burden, the source of most of the trouble in your life.”

“I've lived my life on the run,” Mira said. “I've watched people around me die. Even back in Junction City, life was never easy.”

“No life is easy,” Trillian said. “I'll grant that yours has been uncommonly challenging. Some of that has been self-inflicted. I understand you're here to help rescue one of your rivals to the throne.”

“Honor is not my rival,” Mira said.

“If not for her father, Elegance would be High Queen,” Trillian said. “Without Stafford and Elegance, the title would go to Honor. And what a queen she would make! She has a great deal of spirit.”

“I'm sure you've spent time in her mind,” Mira said.

“I offered to train her, but she refused,” Trillian said. “If Honor regains her power, she could become a formidable enchantress.”

“I want to see her,” Mira said.

“I'm about to provide that opportunity,” Trillian said. “If you can find her, you need only touch her, say her name, and not only will you be reunited, but you will be free to go.”

“That sounds easy,” Mira said.

“She may not look quite like herself,” Trillian said.

“What have you done to her?” Mira demanded.

The torivor smiled. “I've . . . adjusted her.”

“How?” Mira asked, heat in her tone.

Trillian pointed at her. “That is up to you to figure out. I reserve the right to alter her more as the contest progresses. Each of you gets one chance to touch something and say, ‘Honor.' I've prepared three locations for you to search. Cole will guess in the first location, then Jace, and finally Mira. Feel free to work together deciding.”

“She could be anything?” Cole said.

“Anything alive,” Trillian said. “No plants. Just animals, including humans. I have customized a seeming to prevent her from recognizing Mira or perceiving your true forms. To her ears, your voices will be scrambled if you ask about her identity, try to reveal your identities, or mention anything about this contest. Honor has no idea what you're doing.”

“What happens if we guess wrong?” Jace asked.

“Each incorrect guess moves you to the next location,” Trillian said. “If you miss all three guesses, you belong to me. To motivate you to keep the guesses coming, each location has a threat. While you hunt for Honor, something will also hunt you. Each threat will endeavor to kill all of you. Should any of you die before your guess is used, that guess is lost. Naturally, if all of you die, the contest ends.”

Cole felt betrayed. The torivor had failed to mention that the contest might kill them. He had acted like at worst they would be his prisoners. Cole glanced at Mira, feeling horrible for dragging her into this. “You never told us we might die,” Cole objected.

“I'm telling you now,” Trillian said. “Our lives are always at risk. If a threat gets too close, use a guess and move to the next location. You'll have ample opportunity to survive.”

“What if we refuse to play?” Mira asked.

“My gate is now closed,” Trillian said. “This contest is the only way any of you leave.”

“Will it happen here?” Cole asked. “In this dream?”

Trillian chuckled. “No, you'll awaken for the contest. It will occur outside of my palace. When you exit to the grounds, the game will begin.”

“Will it all be an illusion?” Cole wondered.

Trillian shook his head. “I'll accomplish most of it with changings, large and small. Every element of the contest will be perfectly tangible. My shaping abilities are unlike any in the five kingdoms. Let me worry about how it will be accomplished. Concentrate on winning.”

“Do you want us to lose?” Mira asked.

“Not particularly,” Trillian said. “Most likely you will fail. The contest will be difficult, but it is not rigged. You can win. And if you do, I will set you free, as promised. I'm eager to see how you perform.”

“When do we start?” Mira asked.

Trillian clapped his hands.

Cole opened his eyes and stared up at the ceiling. The door to his room opened to reveal Hina out in the hall. “Time to go,” she said.