The Night Bird

CHAPTER 20 MIDNIGHT EMPEROR

“Markus! Ozarson jumped up from the couch.

“Its all right. Markus pulled him back down and held the boy against his side with his arm around his shoulders. Ozarson reached for Allegras hand and gripped her fingers.

Jarid looked miserable. “I would have wished any other way to deal with this. But Cobalt has come with his wife and baby. My envoy didnt know you were here. If I dont tell him He took a breath. “Cobalt is usually a rational man. But when it comes to his family He shook his head.

“Your wife and children are here, too, Allegra said. “Its obvious you dont consider us a danger.

“I hope that makes a difference, Jarid said.

Allegra couldnt believe Jarid had sat so calmly, waiting for Markus to bathe, while the most notorious conqueror in known history waited elsewhere in the castle. She wondered if anything rattled Jarid.

“Cobalt and his wife are with Iris, Jarid said. “Shes getting them settled into a guest suite. He and I will meet when theyre done. Quietly he added, “You three will come with me.

The blood drained from Ozarsons face. “I cant.

Markus leaned his head over the boys. “I wont let him hurt you. They looked so alike, their hair falling haphazardly over their collars, somehow making them seem even more vulnerable.

“I meant it when I said you had asylum here, Jarid told them. “No one may harm you without going through me. That includes the emperor.

Markus looked up at him. “Why would you do that for us?

“I gave my word. Jarid spoke uneasily. “Having Mel and the baby here complicates things.

“Mel? Allegra asked.

“The empress, Della said. “Shes the daughter of King Muller in Harsdown. She considered Allegra. “Mels parents came from the same region of Aronsdale as you. And Mel is about your age. The two of you have a lot in common. You might like each other.

Allegra couldnt imagine summoning the courage even to speak to the empress that many people considered the reincarnation of a warrior goddess.

Jarid was watching her face. “Mel was betrothed to Aron for most of her life. Weve known her for years. If Cobalt hadnt given her an ultimatummarry him or he would take Harsdown by forceshe and Aron would be raising their own family.

“Yes, well, at this rate well never get Aron married, Della muttered. “First Mel, then Allegra.

Allegra thought surely some imbalance existed in the universe when conquerors like Markus and Cobalt kept ripping away brides from someone like Aron, who as far as she could tell would make a wonderful husband to some fortunate woman.

Markuss face had gone cold. His voice was like ice. “I see.

“See what? Jarid asked warily.

“If I die, Markus ground out, “Allegra can remarry.

“You think Im taking you to Cobalt to get you executed?

Markuss anger flared. “Men have killed for queens far less worthy than Allegra.

She could have fallen over at his words. If he felt that way about her, he certainly had an odd way of showing it.

“This is Aronsdale, Jarid said coldly. “Men dont go around killing each other to steal other mens wives.

Markus just shook his head. Allegra wondered what kind of life Jazidian families led, if a married man constantly feared someone would murder him for his wife. Roses husband wouldnt even let her leave their home when Markus and Yargazon were in the camp.

“Allegra is my regents consort, Ozarson told Jarid, lifting his chin. “Your son may not have her.

Jarids expression gentled and it looked as if he was going to smile. But he answered Ozarson with respect. “I assure you, Your Majesty, we wont take Allegra away from you.

She noticed he didnt say, Or your brother. Could Jarid be hoping Cobalt would order Markuss execution?

The outer door of the suite opened. Footsteps sounded in the entrance foyer, and Queen Iris appeared with several guards.

Jarid stood, his posture tense. “Are they settled?

“For now. Iris twisted the sleeve of her tunic. “Mel stayed with the baby. Cobalt is down in the Shape-Hall. I dont think you should keep him waiting.

Jarid turned to one of the guards, a man with more gold on his shoulders than the others. “Captain, send an octet of my soldiers to the Hall. Ill meet you there.

“Right away, Sire. The captain saluted and left, his boots loud on the parquet floor.

Markus stood up, his hands by his sides as if he were preparing to defend himself. “Guards to protect us? Or drag us away?

“Whatever you may suspect of my motives, Jarid said, “I intend no betrayal. The guards are for your protection.

They headed to the Shape-Hall then, the best-known room in the castle. Even far off in her dairy, Allegra had heard of it, for the room also had another name. The Hall of Kings. It was where Jarid, the only king in all the settled lands to wear a crown, had gone to his coronation. Royal marriages and christenings took place there. Most of all, it was where visiting sovereigns met with the king of Aronsdale.

Today, they went to meet an emperor.

The Shape-Hall could hold hundreds of people. Mosaics of polygons and circles in gold, white and sapphire tiles gleamed on the walls. The floor tiles were gold and white diamonds. Sunlight poured through floor-to-ceiling windows bordered by shape-vine engravings. An ivory colonnade bordered the room, supporting a balcony. Far down the hall, a group of men waited by a window that overlooked the castle gardens.

One man towered over the others.

Ozarson tightened his grip on Allegras hand, and Markus visibly tensed on the boys other side. Four guards had come with them, and another octet was waiting at the entrance to the hall. Jarid, Iris and Brant walked at the front of their group, blocking Markus and Ozarson from view while they proceeded down the hall.

As they neared the others, Allegra had an eerie sense, as if time slowed. It came from the tall man. He was the largest person she had ever seen, close to seven feet, with a musculature to match. His hair fell to his shoulders, thick and black. He wore heavy black trousers and a black breastplate with chain mail. His face was like stone. Combined with his monstrous size, his appearance made him seem inhuman. More than his height dominated the hall; the sense of power he exuded overwhelmed everything and everyone.

This was Cobalt, the Midnight Emperor.

They came to a stop a short distance from his group. Even Markus didnt pause as they all knelt to the emperor. Jarid and Iris were the only ones who remained standing, and they both bowed deeply. Allegra felt Ozarson shaking at her side, and wondered how, at the age of seven, he could have stood up to this man and declared he would kill him.

Cobalt spoke in a bass voice. “Rise.

As they stood up, Allegra noticed Jarids guards had closed around her, Markus and Ozarson. Jarid went forward to Cobalt, but Iris and Brant waited at the front of their group.

“Why so many guards? Cobalt asked Jarid. He didnt sound suspicious or annoyed, just curious. His voice rumbled, deeper than any Allegra had ever heard.

“Your Majesty, Jarid began. It sounded odd to Allegra to hear the king of her country speak with such deference. Yes, he called Ozarson by a similar title, but this had a different quality. Fear underlaid the words.

“Whats wrong? Cobalt asked.

“I have guests, Jarid said.

“Is this a problem? Cobalt asked. “Who are they?

Jarid took a breath. Then he beckoned to Markus. Ozarson was gripping Allegras hand so hard, her fingers ached. But she didnt try to loosen his grip.

Markus, Allegra and Ozarson walked forward, past the guards. She felt as if each step went through molasses. What was it about Cobalt that slowed her down? It wasnt any mage effect she knew, but it didnt feel natural. He turned to look, almost in slow motion, his black eyes boring into them.

Then Cobalt said, “What the hell? He was watching Ozarson.

They all stopped, and the atajazid froze, his terrified gaze on the emperor.

“Come here, boy. Cobalt motioned him forward. “Let me get a better look at you.

Ozarson didnt move. Then Markus put his arm around his shoulders and guided him forward. Allegra walked on Ozarsons other side, holding his hand. They stopped in front of the emperor.

“Saints, boy, Cobalt said. He wasnt even looking at Markus or Allegra. “I saw you go over that cliff. How are you alive?

Ozarson just kept looking up at him.

Cobalt waited. When the boy didnt answer, the emperor said, “We searched the bottom of the cliff. We didnt find any bodies.

“General Yargazon and his men took them, Markus said coldly. “Ozarsons mother and nurse were given a proper cremation.

Cobalt glanced at him. “Who are you?

The prince regarded him steadily. “Markus Alexander Onyx.

Cobalts face hardened with an anger that turned him into something other than a man. Allegra stepped back and Ozarson shrank against her side.

“The prince regent is dead, Cobalt said.

Markus raised his chin. “I live.

“For maybe one more hour. Cobalt swung around to Jarid. “How the blazes did you capture them?

“I didnt. Jarid spoke quietly. “They came to me. Ive given them asylum. Theyre under my protection.

The emperor stared as if the Aronsdale king had gone mad. Then he lifted his arm and pointed to Markus. “No asylum exists for that man. Everyone who tortured Mel will die. Some of the ice left his voice. “The boy was only seven. Hes blameless, at least as much as anyone of Onyx blood can be. But not the regent. He will die as his father died.

“No! Ozarsons voice cracked. “You cant.

Jarid stood his ground. “I gave them my word, Cobalt. You cant violate the asylum of Suncroft. You dont hold sway here.

“I will not have the outlawed regent of Jazid in the same country with my wife and son, Cobalt said, “let alone the same building.

“Then we must decide whom to move where, Jarid said. “Because we arent executing anyone.

One of Cobalts men stepped forward, a gray-haired officer in the blue and white uniform of the Misted Cliffs. He spoke in a gravelly voice. “The boy and his regent would make valuable hostages when we reach Taka Mal.

Cobalt considered the man. Then he turned to Markus, and the banked fury in his eyes belied his quiet tone. “Did you help them take her?

“Take who? Markus asked.

“My wife.

Markuss face paled, the first time Allegra had ever seen it happen. “No, I did not. I didnt know what he planned. Had I any idea, I would have tried to stop him.

“You lie so easily. Cobalt turned to Jarid. “Release them into my custody.

“I will not, Jarid said.

“I can take them by force. My army is only a few hours from your door.

Jarid blanched, but he didnt back down. “You would have to attack my army, then, in violation of your treaty with my cousin. Your wifes father. Will you start a war with Aronsdale, too?

Cobalts huge fist clenched at his side. “Why do you protect a monster?

“Youre accusing him of war crimes with no proof.

Allegra expected Cobalt to brush aside Jarids objections.

Instead he walked away from them, past his men. The gray-haired officer joined him, and they stood looking out the floor-to-ceiling window. The man said something in a low voice, and Cobalt nodded, his face strained. Allegra caught a name: Agate. Saints. This must be General Agate Cragland, the man who had brought home the body of Ozarsons father.

Cobalt returned to Markus and considered the prince regent. Then he said, “My grandfather raised me.

Although Markus met his gaze, he seemed lost for a response.

“Stonebreaker Chamberlight, Cobalt said. “You are familiar with that name?

“To some extent, Markus answered. “He knew my father.

“Yes, he did. Cobalt continued in the same measured tone. “He, your father and Dusk Yargazon swore a blood oath.

“Im aware of that, Markus said.

“They were three of a kind, Cobalt said. “Three monsters. Why should I believe you are different?

“My father wasnt a monster, Ozarson told him, defiant. “He was a great man.

Cobalt turned his dark gaze on the boy. “And you want to be just like him, no doubt.

“If I could be half of what he was, I would be honored.

“Your loyalty to your sire is admirable, boy. Perhaps I should tell you about your fathers great deeds.

“Dont, Allegra said softly. “Please.

Cobalt glanced at her. “Come closer, where I can see you.

Allegra swallowed and let go of Ozarson. She went to Cobalt, and he studied her, his face puzzled. “You look like an Aronsdale mage girl.

“She is, Jarid said. “Shes from the same part of the country as your wifes mother.

Cobalt scratched his chin. “Are you the nursemaid for this boy while hes here at the castle?

She was having trouble breathing. “No. Im one of his guardians.

“That makes absolutely no sense, Cobalt said.

“Shes my wife, Markus told him.

Cobalt snorted. “No woman from southern Aronsdale would willingly marry a Jazid man.

A silence greeted his words. Cobalt looked around, studying each person. Then he turned slowly back to Allegra. “In fact, he said, “I wonder how a girl from Aronsdale even met the fugitive and presumed dead prince regent of Jazid.

Allegra was beginning to feel ill. Any answer she gave would only make matters worse. Her husband could die.

Cobalt spoke to Markus. “Men in Jazid buy wives, dont they?

Sweat sheened Markuss forehead. “Thats right.

“And you bought this girl?

“Yes.

“From who?

“A nomad.

“A nomad. Cobalts eyes were burning. “A nomad who perhaps kidnapped her from Aronsdale?

Markus didnt answer.

Cobalt swung around to Jarid. “If you protect this man, you are protecting the atrocities he commits, allows and condones. He lifted his arm and pointed at Ozarson. “That boy may be young enough to reeducate. But I will not have his regent anywhere near my wife or son.

Markuss voice snapped with anger. “I never condoned, allowed or participated in any way with your wifes abduction. In a calmer voice, he said, “Or in what your grandfather did to you. My father was his oath brother. Not me.

Cobalt lowered his arm, and silence filled the hall.

Then Cobalt said, “Your father once stood by and watched my grandfather beat me unconscious. I was eight years old. Younger than your atajazid. Your father just stayed there, drinking his wine as if I were some dog that had to be He took a deep, shuddering breath. Then he turned away from Markus and spoke to Jarid. “You have a dungeon here?

Jarid nodded uneasily. “I do.

“Good. Put Onyx in it until were ready for his execution.

“Cobalt

“Do it, the emperor said. “Or Ill have my men take him by force. If I have to start a war with Aronsdale, so be it.

“He didnt do anything! Ozarson lunged toward Cobalt.

“No! Markus grabbed him and pulled him back. In a low voice, he said, “Stay with Allegra.

“Your Majesty. Allegras voice was shaking. “My husband is not a perfect man. But he is not a monster. He would never beat a child or torture a woman.

“You would defend a man who bought you like a slave? Cobalt asked, incredulous.

“No, she said. “Im defending the only real father Ozarson has ever known. And hes a good father. For the boys sake, I beg of you, let his regent live. Dont condemn Markus and Ozarson for the sins of their sire.

Cobalt frowned at her. “Is that why you brought him here for sanctuary? Because you think hes a good father?

“I only brought Ozarson here, Allegra said. “Markus came looking for us.

Cobalt peered at her. “How did you get here without him?

“I stole his horse.

His eyebrows went up. “And how did you manage that?

“I put Markus, Ozarson and his men to sleep.

“His men? As in, perhaps, Dusk Yargazon?

“General Yargazon figured out I could do spells. Under the impact of his scrutiny, her words tumbled out in bursts. “When I sang. He put wax in his ears. He threw me down and we fought. I hit him with the candelabra. We fought more and I pushed him. His head hit a chest, and it knocked him out. Then I took Ozarson, stole Markuss horse and rode away.

To her unmitigated surprise, Cobalt smiled. “Do you by any chance know my wife?

Allegra blinked. “No, Sire.

He glanced at Jarid. “I fear what could happen should they meet. They might overthrow everyone and take over all the kingdoms.

Jarid gave a startled smile. “Perhaps.

Allegra couldnt believe it. Cobalt the Dark, the Midnight Emperor, had made a joke. At least, she thought it was a joke. She wasnt certain. He looked intimidating even when he wasnt angry.

Cobalt turned to Markus. “And you came looking for the boy? Even though you knew you could die by doing it.

“Yes, Markus said. “And for her.

For an excruciating moment, Cobalt studied Markus. Then he swung around to Jarid. “Very well. I will allow you to keep him here. When Jarid started to respond, Cobalt raised his hand. “But only if you chain him in the dungeon for as long as my wife and son are in this castle. My men will remain as guards. He turned to Allegra and Ozarson. “You two will ride with my army to Taka Mal, to serve as hostages.

Markuss reaction was subtle, but Allegra recognized the slight lowering of his shoulders. As small a gesture as it was, she felt its immensity. Relief. He wouldnt die today after all.

“Allegra wouldnt be any use as a hostage, Markus said. “Not for leverage with my people.

“Im not bringing her as leverage with your people, Cobalt said. “Shes a hostage for your behavior. Just as you, imprisoned here, will be a hostage for your atajazids behavior.

Allegra understood then what Cobalt intended. Markuss life depended on what she and Ozarson did as Cobalts prisoners. Any attempt they made to escape could be the prince regents death sentence.

The pitted steps led below the castle. Suncroft was named for light and warmth, but neither showed in this place of dank smells. A rat scuttled across the stairs, and Allegra jumped to the side. When a drop of water hit her cheek, she looked up to see a broken stone arch covered with lichen.

The stairs were too narrow for more than one person. Jarid went first, with a torch that cast oversize shadows on the walls. Two soldiers from the Misted Cliffs followed him. Markus came next, his hands bound behind his back, going slowly as he strove to keep his balance. Cobalt followed, holding another torch. Allegra went next, then two more of Cobalts guards. The odor of burning torches saturated the air, and smoke curled around them.

Iris and Brant had taken Ozarson to his suite, despite the boys protests. Allegra didnt want him to see Markus this way, and she thought Markus didnt, either. In fact, she suspected he would have liked her to go with Ozarson, as well. Cobalt, however, had given her no choice.

At the bottom, they walked along a rough-hewn tunnel. The wall on the left consisted of large stone blocks. The one on the right had three doors at evenly spaced intervals, each solid oak with a small, barred window at a tall mans eye-level. Strips of metal reinforced the doors, crusted with rust and lichen. Allegra wondered if anyone ever came down here.

Jarid fumbled with a hexagonal ring of keys as if he didnt know which he needed. He finally found one that unlocked the second cell. As the guards swung open the ponderous door, Markus watched, his face ashen. Allegra wanted to go to him, but Cobalt was standing between them. She remembered wishing Markus would suffer the emperors anger, and the thought soured in her mouth. She couldnt have imagined then how much she would regret seeing that wish granted.

The guards took Markuss arms and walked him into the cell. Jarid followed, holding up his torch. Cobalt stayed in the doorway, so Allegra stepped past him with caution, acutely aware of his presence dominating the cell. His head almost touched the ceiling. When she tried to go to Markus, though, Cobalt caught her arm. He didnt let go until she stepped back to the wall by the door.

Straw had once covered the floor, but only a few blackened bits remained. The ceiling, walls and floor were built from stone blocks. Chains with manacles hung on the wall to the left. And that was it. An empty room that stank of rotting straw.

The guards brought Markus to the left wall. As they turned him around and unbound his hands, he stared at Allegra. His face showed no emotion; he would never reveal his fear. But she felt it, perhaps because her spells sensitized her to his moods. It wasnt only his fear of Cobalt, who could still have him killed. For Markusa man who needed constantly to be outside, walking or riding, someone who could never stay stillbeing chained in a cell would be a nightmare.

Jarid gave a key to one of his soldiers, and the man went to where the guards held Markus. As they manacled his wrists, Allegra sagged against the wall, feeling ill. When they chained his ankles, he had to sit on the floor, sideways to the wall with his right shoulder pressed against the stone. The shackles forced him to stretch out his legs because they werent directly below those for his arms. It left him with his arms pulled tight over his head and his legs pulled tight along the wall.

Jarid glanced at Cobalt. “Is that really necessary? He couldnt escape here even if he wasnt in the chains.

“How do you know? Cobalt asked. “We had him in Jazid, ready for burial, and then, suddenly, hes gone. Two years later, here he is, hale and hearty, sending an army to conquer Taka Mal. The chains stay.

Markus stared up at him, his face lit by flickering torchlight.

Allegra couldnt take any more; she stepped away from the wall before Cobalt could catch her and went over to Markus. Kneeling next to him, she spoke softly. “Youll be all right.

“Does the revenge feel fine? he asked in a low voice.

“I would never wish this on you.

His face contorted. “My shouldercan you push it?

Puzzled, she laid her hand on his left shoulder. “Like this?

“No. His face creased with pain. “The ridge, closer to my neck. Youll feel it.

Probing his muscles, she found a huge knot. “There?

“Yes. Push. Hard He sounded as if he were gritting his teeth.

Allegra massaged the area, and suddenly the knot gave like the release of a bolt. Markus grunted, and his arm relaxed while relief washed over his face.

“What happened? she asked.

“Its an injury from the war, he said. “I cant lift my arm above my head anymore. It spasms like that.

She stared at the chains pulling his arms. “Markus

“Ill be all right. Gruffly he added, “Take care of Ozi.

“I will.

Heavy footsteps sounded behind them, and then Cobalt was standing next to her. She looked up and felt as if the air went out of the room.

He indicated the doorway. “Wait with my guards.

Allegra stood up. “Please, cant you take off the manacles?

“No. He regarded her with a hooded gaze. “Go with my men. I want to talk to you upstairs.

Markus stiffened. “Leave her alone, Escar.

Cobalt fixed Allegra with a hard stare and jerked his head at the door. Swallowing, she backed away, toward the entrance. Jarid started toward her, but Cobalt shook his head, and the Aronsdale king stopped. They all felt it, that Cobalts decision to let Markus live could change any moment, if anyone pushed him.

Cobalt turned back to Markus and looked down at the captive Jazid prince. “How many men have you put in chains, Onyx? How many soldiers have you had whipped? His voice hardened. “How many innocent, vulnerable girls have you shackled for your pleasure?

“You have no right to judge me, Markus said.

“Probably not, Cobalt said. “But the Onyx Throne is mine. Neither you nor your brother will ever sit on it.

“What are you going to do with Ozarson? It was the first time Markuss fear had shown in his voice.

Cobalt pushed his hand through his hair. To Allegras surprise, he said, “I dont know. Maybe take him to the Misted Cliffs and have him brought up there, by people I trust.

“No! Markus yanked on the chains as if he could free himself by sheer force of will.

Cobalt looked at him for a long moment, and something subtle happened to his face. Pain? When he spoke again, he had a gruffer tone. “The boy is fortunate to have people who love him.

With that, the Midnight Emperor strode from the cell.

Allegra tried to go back in to Markus, but a guard held her back. As soon as Jarid left, two guards heaved on the door. It slammed shut with a crash that vibrated through the walls, leaving Markus alone in the dark.