The Night Bird

CHAPTER 29 HEART OF TOPAZ

Allegra leaned her forearms on the balcony wall and gazed at the palace gardens awash in the afternoon sunlight. A long stretch of grass sloped down to the lake of Quaaz. Trees draped with vines drooped over the water, and sun-snaps grew in profusion, mixed with skybells. Even this high up, she could smell the heady scent of rosy box-blossoms. Goldwing larks trilled, and butterflies floated in the air. The scene took her breath. Give the desert a little water, and it bloomed gloriously.

Eventually she went back inside the suite where Queen Vizaranas soldiers had brought her after the summit this morning. The empty suite. Other guards had taken Markus to meet with Vizarana, Ozarson, Cobalt, Yargazon, Baz, Jarid, Muller, and who knew how many other officers to discuss what would happen to the villages Markuss army had already conquered. Taka Mal would have to make concessions to Jazid if they wanted this compromise to workwhich ironically meant they would also be making those concessions to Cobalt, who remained the ruler of that country.

Guards outside the suite prevented Allegra from leaving, but they otherwise left her alone. Too agitated to sit, she wandered through the rooms. The walls were like sunrises, painted red near the floor, shading up through gold and yellow, then into blue near the ceiling. Red-glass lamps shaped like dragons hung from the rafters, and parchment-thin screens painted with delicate birds graced the airy rooms.

She was in one of the parlors pouring a glass of orange juice when the outer door of the suite creaked. She walked into the main parlor just as Markus and Ozarson came through the entrance.

“Allegra! Ozarsons face lit in welcome.

Markus spoke in a subdued voice. “Good afternoon.

“Weve come to invite you to the ceremony, Ozarson said.

Curious to know what had happened, she said, “What ceremony?

The boys face turned red. “My marriage.

Markus smiled. “Betrothal.

Ozarson looked as if he wanted to run outside and hide. “Yes. That.

“Its not all that bad, Allegra told him, charmed by his embarrassment. “Someday you might even be glad.

He regarded her skeptically, but said nothing.

Behind them, a Taka Mal guard entered the suite. When Markus turned around, the man bowed to him. “You have a visitor, Sire.

“Who? Markus asked, his posture tensing.

“A General Ardoz, from your army.

“Oh. Yes. Markus cleared his throat. “Bring him in.

As the guard left, Ozarson blinked at Markus. “We just talked to him.

“I know. Markuss face shuttered as he glanced from the boy to Allegra. “Why dont the two of you go change for the ceremony?

“But, Markus, Ozarson said. “I wanted to ask him

“Ozi, you can talk to the general some other time, Allegra said. She didnt know when, given that Ozarson would be here and Ardoz would be somewhere else, but she could tell Markus wanted privacy. “We need to get ready. You dont want to be late to your own betrothal, do you?

“Oh. No, I guess not. The boy didnt look certain about that, but he went with her.

After Allegra left Ozarson in his room, she went to the master bedroom. The maid had left her some clothes, and she changed into a tunic and trousers of brocaded blue silk. Gazing at the bed, she wondered if Markus would ever grow used to sleeping off the ground. She hoped so, for she wanted him to be as content as possible. At least the decor here was a lot like that in Jazid.

She paced around the room and used up more time brushing her hair, but eventually she walked back to the main parlor. When she heard Ardozs voice, she stopped, unsure what to do. She was in an alcove next to the parlor, and a burnished gold mirror on the opposite wall showed Ardoz and Markus standing in the other room. They looked so similar, both strong and broad shouldered, though Ardoz was a bit taller than Markus, with gray in his shock of dark hair and more aquiline features.

“I know, Ardoz was saying, his voice low. “But I waited anyway.

“Basil, Im sorry. Markus lifted his arm as if to touch him, then dropped it again.

“Dont be sorry, Ardoz said. “I always knew it wasnt your preference. He gave Markus a rueful look. “It was just so hard to think straight, ever since the first time I saw you, so strong and proud. He just barely touched one of Markuss curls. “And who has hair like this? I could have brushed it for hours.

Markus laughed self-consciously. “I did like that.

“I know. Ardoz lowered his arm. “But not enough.

Markus spoke quietly. “I dont want you to thinkIt wasnt only because I was lonely. Gods know, Basil, sometimes I thought the loneliness would kill me. But I would have nevernot with anyone else. He stopped, his discomfort obvious. But he didnt step back. “Be well. May you always have the best.

Ardoz grinned at him. “I already have.

Incredibly Markus blushed. “For gods sake.

Ardozs face gentled. “Goodbye, Mark.

Markus touched Ardozs face, the slightest brush across his cheek. “Goodbye.

The general left then. Allegra thought she would have been shocked, but she felt only regret at stumbling onto their farewells. She withdrew down the hall, leaving Markus his privacy.

Allegra walked with Ozarson and Markus into the entrance foyer of their suite. Ozarson looked serious in his formal black clothes, and Markus seemed more subdued than usual. She didnt ask about Ardoz. If he ever wanted to talk about it, she would listen, but if not, she would respect his silence.

Ozarson opened the outer door and looked up at the guards. The four soldiers bowed to him, then moved aside and accompanied them down the gleaming topaz corridor. The wall sconces held frosted glass lamps with ruby accents, their flames flickering.

Walking through the palace felt odd to Allegra, for despite its opulence, it was a prison. For Markus, these golden rooms would be as confining as a cage. He might never again ride with his people, sleep under the stars or see the mountains and deserts of the home he loved. She wondered if she could ever fully appreciate the magnitude of what he had given up to make this alliance work.

“Thank you, she said.

Markus smiled at her. “For what?

“Everything. She watched Ozarson walking ahead of them. “I know you didnt want this.

“Ah, well. He spoke awkwardly. “It could have been worse.

“What did you all decide about Taka Mal?

“The queen ceded a portion of the land we took, Markus said. “The Saint Verdant River now defines Taka Mals southern border with Jazid. That area isnt heavily populated by Taka Mal standards, only about two hundred thousand people. The people can leave, if they want, and relocate in Taka Mal territory. But if we can convince a substantial number of them to stay, it will greatly increase Jazids population.

“What about your army? She couldnt imagine Cobalt letting four thousand men go free.

His eyes glinted. “Its a hell of a fighting force.

“I know, she said dryly. “I doubt Cobalt or Queen Vizarana appreciates that, though.

“Thats why theyre letting the men settle the land Taka Mal ceded to us, so theyll stop fighting. About two thousand want to stay. Its what they had planned to do if we took the country. Ill be expected to help integrate the Jazid citizens with the Taka Mal population. He cracked his knuckles restlessly. “I doubt Ill be able to travel. But the queen has asked me to act as an advisor for the blending of the two cultures in my capacity as Ozarsons regent. Wryly he said, “No life of ease. I have to work for my keep.

She suspected he far more preferred that to doing nothing. “And the rest of the army?

His satisfaction vanished. “Cobalt gets them. In return, he wont execute them.

“ Two thousand Jazid men?

“Yes. His gaze darkened. Even a tenday ago, she couldnt have deciphered the expression, but she knew now exactly what it meant. He was furious.

“You cant be serious, she said.

“Its the Jazid army, he answered curtly. “He rules Jazid.

“Doesnt he have to put the deserters on trial?

“Technically, since theyre still in his army, they arent deserters. The lines around his mouth creased with his displeasure. “But damn it, Dusk didnt train them for Cobalt.

“What about Yargazon? Just saying his name made her queasy.

Markus didnt answer. Instead he watched Ozarson up ahead of them. The boy was looking around with undisguised appreciation at the gilded walls and their mosaics. “Ozi has never lived anywhere like this. The Onyx Palace is starker, and he spent the last two years with the army.

She didnt let him evade the question. “And Yargazon?

“You wont like it.

“Cobalt is letting him live?

“Yes. He spoke evenly. “It was my condition for giving up those two thousand soldiers.

Allegra wanted to hit him. But she held it in. Markus had given up more than she had ever expected in that moment he had asked Ozarson to consider the queens offer. She hadnt believed he would ever repudiate Yargazon, yet incredibly, he had done it. He had given up his kingdom and his army because Allegra had asked him to do it. She was still reeling with that knowledge.

“What will they do with Yargazon? she asked.

“Hes going to retire. Markus even said it with a straight face. “Under guard, of course, to make sure he complies with the terms of this new treaty. Hell return to his home in Jazid.

Allegra snorted. “And Im sure Cobalt believes him. It didnt surprise her that the emperor demanded an entire army in return for Yargazons life, given that the General would undoubtedly start trying to outwit his “retirement as soon as he was back in Jazid. “So he wins again.

Markus shook his head. “In Dusks view, hes lost everything that ever mattered to him. He wanted to fight. He thought we could defeat Cobalt. He may be right. But the cost was too high. After a moment, he said, “Its more than the war, Allegra. Ozi and I were the closest he had to a family. He touched her hair. “And he wanted you. It obsessed him. I dont know why, for he genuinely believes you sought to ruin his relationship with Ozi and me and our plans for Taka Mal. The way he sees it, you won by corrupting me and destroying Ozis future. You have everything Dusk wants.

It was an outlook so different from her own, she didnt know what to do with it. “Do you see me that way?

“Gods, no! He gave her a wry smile. “You make me think. Which is good. I may not like it, but thats my problem, not yours.

She exhaled, relieved. “Yargazon wasnt actually the one I meant, though. Its Cobalt. He always comes out ahead, stronger, more powerful. Now he has more land and a bigger army.

Markus lifted his chin. “For now.

For now. With this alliance between Taka Mal and Jazid, saints only knew what would happen. Ultimately Taka Mal and Jazid would become one, in spirit if not in who actually claimed the throneand when that happened, she wondered if even the emperor could stand against their fierce soul.

“Did King Jarid agree to let you live here? she asked.

“As a prisoner, yes. He winced. “Better than his dungeon.

“How does it work? Do wedo we have to live in cells?

“Dragons breath, Allegra. Of course not. He motioned to Ozarson. “He and I will stay in the suite we have now. Well always have guards, and we cant leave the palace without an armed escort. But its more like were guests than hostages.

“You and Ozarson? Not me?

“You are free to leave. If you want. Awkwardly he added, “Or to stay. If you want.

To leave. Or to stay. “Markuswould you have considered the queens proposal if I hadnt asked you to do it?

“No, I dont think so. He took a breath. “You see the world in ways I find difficult. But if you will stay with me, Ill try to understand.

Allegra thought of everything he had given up for her, and she didnt really need to debate her answer.

“Ill stay, she said.

His face relaxed. He took her hand as they walked together.

Vizarana and Drummer were waiting in an alcove of the nursery. Baz Quaazera was with them, and a striking woman who was surely his wife, the Dragon-Sun priestess. A cascade of red-gold hair tumbled down her back. Although she had the upward-tilted eyes common in Taka Mal, they were green instead of dark. She wore a long yellow skirt and a bodice that left her lower abdomen bare. She regarded Allegra with a serene gaze and inclined her head as one mage would to another.

“Zarina is sleeping, Drummer told them. “She usually does at this time of the day.

Ozarson shifted his feet. “Maybe we shouldnt wake her up.

“Its all right. Vizaranas face gentled when she spoke to him. “Come in, please.

They walked into the nursery, an airy room with blue walls and a white ceiling. Toys were strewn in one corner, balls and stuffed animals. A child lay curled under a blue quilt in a small bed with raised sides to keep her from falling out. They stopped just within the archway, except for Vizarana and Drummer, who went to the bed. The queen bent over and picked up the child, cradling her in her arms. The girl was about two years old, with dark hair and a sweet face. She snuggled against her mother and murmured, “Pappy.

Drummer laughed softly. “Im here, little one. He tapped his finger on her hand, and she gripped it with her eyes closed.

When Drummer beckoned to Ozarson, the boy started with alarm, looking young and uncertain. Then he drew himself up straighter and went over to them. He peered at the girl. “Shes pretty.

“Her personal names are Zarina Bell, Vizarana said.

“Bell? Ozarson asked.

“Its my mothers name, Drummer said. “Many people where I come from have names based in music.

“Oh. Ozarson squinted at Zarina. “Is she asleep?

“A little. Then Vizarana murmured, “Wake up, sweetings.

“Mummsi, the girl said drowsily. Her huge eyes opened and she regarded Ozarson. “Boy-boy? she asked.

“His name is Ozarson, Drummer said. “Your husband, someday.

Ozarson turned even redder than before. “Dont be sad, he told the girl earnestly. “Ill try not to be a bad husband.

“Busbus, Zarina murmured. She yawned and closed her eyes.

“Well. The queen caught her lower lip with her teeth, and Allegra saw a sheen of tears in her eyes. When Vizarana glanced at Markus, he went to stand with them. The priestess came with him, her long hair rustling with her elegant walk.

“We will have the more elaborate ceremonies later, Vizarana told Markus. “Since weve already agreed on the basic terms, my people and yours should have a preliminary draft of the contract for you this evening, and we can settle on details. However, this will formalize the betrothal.

Markus nodded his acceptance. “That will work.

She took a breath, then shifted into a ceremonial cadence. “Does anyone here have cause to dispute this joining of the royal Houses of Onyx and Quaazera?

Allegra held her breath, afraid someone would speak and destroy this precarious solution to a brutal war.

After a moment, the priestess spoke in a melodic voice. “Your Majesty, Ozarson Onyx, Atajazid Daz, Shadow-Dragon Prince of Jazid, do you accept this betrothal?

Ozarson looked up with wide eyes. “Yes? I mean, yes, I do.

She inclined her head to the boy, then said, “Your Majesty, Vizarana Jade Quaazera, Atatakamal Doz, Dragon-Sun Princess of Taka Mal, do you accept this betrothal in the name of your daughter, Zarina Bell Quaazera?

“Yes, Vizarana said. A tear gathered in her eye.

“Then it is done. The priestess smiled at Ozarson. “Youre betrothed.

Watching him, a chill went through Allegra. An image formed in her mindOzarson towering and dark, a powerful man taking his place on a huge black throne. A stunning woman stood at his side, her head lifted, her eyes wild and fierce with Quaazera pride. She wore the red trousers and jerkin of a Taka Mal warrior-merchant, with a sword at her side. A belt of metal cylinders crisscrossed her torso. Ozarson gripped something Allegra had never seen, an elongated metal object with a cylindrical snout and a massive grip. She didnt know what it meant, but she suddenly felt cold.

The image faded, replaced by a nervous boy standing with his future bride. Allegra shook her head, wondering what was wrong with her. She needed more sleep.

Be well, she thought to Ozarson and Zarina. No matter how difficult the path you trod, may you always have love.

Markus leaned with his back against the palace wall where the balcony rail met the side of the building. Allegra stood a pace away, her elbows on the rail, looking over the gardens and beyond to the lake. She held the dodecahedron in one hand.

“It will be strange living here, Markus said. “Ive never been in a place with so much water. It feels exorbitant.

She smiled at him. “It seems dry to me. Especially the air.

He held out his hand as if to ask a question. She took it, and his shoulders relaxed. He drew her into his arms, and she stood in his embrace, her cheek resting on his red silk shirt, her palm against his chest. They both looked out at Quaaz, he gazing over her head. Afternoon sunlight slanted across the city.

“You told me something last night, Markus said.

Allegra knew what he meant; she had said she would leave him. But that had been before his decision to end the war. His incredible decision.

“Things are different now, she said. She had thought he understood when she said she would stay with him, but perhaps he still wasnt certain.

“Are they? He sounded oddly strained.

She watched a hawk drift over the city. “Yargazon is gone.

“I dont mean that. He spoke with difficulty. “You said I had only to tell you something and you would respond in kind.

Her breath caught. Suddenly nervous, she said, “That hasnt changed.

“Its hard for me. He spoke quietly. “My father never told my mother he loved her. Because he didnt. I dont know if he ever truly loved any woman. Maybe Ozis mother, but I doubt he told her, either. All I ever knew, all my life, was that with women, a man employed force, commands and control. You didnt love a woman, you used her, for pleasure, for status and for children.

“You arent your father. Or Dusk Yargazon.

“No. It seems Im not. He brushed his hand down her hair in a caress. “Because I do truly love you, Allegra. And if you will let me, I will try learning to do this marriage business better.

She closed her eyes, far more glad to hear the words than she had been able to admit even to herself. “I would like to spend my life with the man I love. With you.

He said only, “Good, but his voice caught on the word.

“Do you remember when you wrote our marriage contract? she asked. “You put something in I didnt understand.

“What was that?

“You swore to honor the vows of our union. She hesitated. “In Aronsdale I would know what it means. But I dont in Jazid. Or Taka Mal, for that matter.

“It means the same everywhere, night bird, he murmured. “I believe the language in Aronsdale is, I will cleave to you and only to you for as long as we both shall live.

It meant more to her than she knew how to say. He had given her that vow despite all the reasons a Jazidian man in his position had to withhold it, and he had even taken the time and effort to find out the wording her own people used.

She lifted her hand and held it palm up to the sky. The dodecahedron gleamed. Power stirred within her, a gift she had feared she would never know again, one as ancient as her people in Aronsdale. She sang a simple song that had come down to her people over the centuries:

His kiss so sweet, his heart so bold

Embracing me with loves true hold

Sweet passion, where the starlight pours

Whispers of love, forever more

A sphere of golden light formed on her palm like a promise, that even a harsh land could miraculously come alive with the balm of water. The spell encompassed them, and Markus held her in his arms.