Unspoken

Chapter Nine

“I’m honestly surprised, Rusc. This behavior coming from my Personal Guard? It is simply unbecoming.”
I could only listen to the tense conversation taking place within Diron’s throne room. Why was I even there to hear? Well—
“I could have sworn you had a better head on your shoulders than this, and far more intelligent. That is why you were promoted to your current rank, is it not?” Diron drawled, continuing the tirade he’d been putting Rusc through for the past few minutes.
“Sir, if I may speak?”
“You may certainly try,” Diron begrudgingly answered.
Well isn’t he in a fun mood today?
“If I’d challenged him, I certainly would have fought until my very soul was brought to purgatory… But do you really, really think I would have won? Because I know for a fact it would have ended with his blade skewered right through me.”
Rusc paused, though I heard him mutter “at best” before he resumed.
“His only Heir was present. If I even raised my sword in that moment, I wouldn’t have come back alive.”
Diron huffed a dissatisfied scoff. “Avartians don’t back down from a challenge, no matter what may be at stake. Perhaps you’ve forgotten what clan you pledge loyalty to, hm? The last I looked outside, we don’t live in Extorris, the home of ‘running when things get tough’. This is my land, my clan, and the standard I set... I expect you to die with honor, say the situation calls for it.”
It was a short while before I heard either of them speak again, and when I did it was Rusc giving a very ‘interesting’ reply. Was interesting the word? Well, let’s just say his choice of words weren’t exactly centered around self-preservation.
“Well, my Lord, I appreciate the reminder, but I am well aware of which clan I belong to. I’m also grateful for being told I should have made a different decision, one that would have resulted in the loss of yet another of your Personal Guards...”
When he spoke again his voice lowered, flipping from passive aggressive to gravely serious.
“And now if you would allow me to be forward, Clan Leader… In the future when choosing your guards, you should let it be known this position requires them to be suicidal.”
I blinked, taken aback by Rusc’s words. I could only wonder what Diron’s current expression was, though I imagined it wasn’t pretty. My notion that Diron was in a nasty mood was only further proven when he put their conversation to an abrupt end.
“You are dismissed.”
Soon after, I heard footsteps leading out of the room. I also saw the doors close through the crack in the wooden panel, which I’d been peeking through the entire time. Yes, my ‘change in scenery’ had turned out to be a new cell built into the wall behind Diron’s throne. I had to give it to him, it was a clever spot to put me. Right behind him where he’d always know where I was, with two men on constant guard to make sure I’d never try anything sneaky. What he didn’t know was that instead of upsetting or distressing me, I’d actually found this to be an interesting experience—almost educational. Of course I’d been unable to see Caedes for the past two weeks, but at least I’d gotten a break from those vulgar men. Unlike his subjects, Diron didn’t treat me like an animal. The day after he ordered his men to lock me in this cramped little cell, he’d bargained a deal with me. That had certainly been a side of the monster I’d never witnessed before, though I still didn’t understand why he’d done such a thing.
“After a night in there, I hope you'll understand the severity of the situation. Perhaps you’ll be more inclined to listen,”  he’d said.
“What do you want?” My response had been irritable—after all, I’d barely slept that night.
“There's a good chance we will have a… Let’s call them a rather annoying visitor. You must stay secluded from your fellow prisoners until they arrive,” he’d said, biting back swears. “In the meantime, if you behave and refrain from screaming at me all hours of the damned day and night, I'll make your living quarters more suitable... Despite what you may think, I take no pleasure in seeing others suffer.”
I’d shot him a glare. “No, but you're perfectly fine with letting your men do whatever they please, aren’t you?”
I thought about the look Diron gave me, hesitancy. I’d tried to read his expression, to understand the brief emotion he displayed, but I couldn’t. Well, Diron’d certainly been acting strange that day, to say the least. Calmer and less… Well, ‘evil’, I supposed.
He acted like the ‘game’ we were playing was over. What, has he switched to a new target now?
The idea that he was done toying with me was absurdly naive, though. I knew he had plans and schemes going on, things I didn't know about. Speaking of which, I’d told him something the day we’d bargained: I told him I would someday find a way to escape from this place. His response?
“To that I have no doubt, Kara.”
I still got chills every time I recalled those words. What had he meant by that? Was it a vague threat of some kind? I had planned on asking him about it today, but after hearing how furious he was over Rusc’s report? That idea was a no-go.
“Go and get Jedrick for me,” Diron ordered, no doubt speaking to a nearby servant.
I had to admit, it was amusing to me to hear how angry he was, it took a lot to get him into this sort of temper. I knew because it was one of my top five sources of amusement.
But this deal keeps me from annoying him now. I know I can’t complain, since this cell is more comfortable, but… I also miss Caedes. I would instantly trade this comfort for seeing him every day again.
I couldn’t help but linger on that thought… My heart had ached every day I’d spent alone here. I missed him, I missed him so greatly it felt like my heart had been peppered with rusted nails, then left there for my torture.
The little presents, our secret language…
My feelings of heartache didn’t last long, the heavy metal doors being opened again interrupted my thoughts… Just when tears had begun to prick my eyes.
Great… Time to see what he wants with Jedrick today.
But no, to my greatest surprise it was not Jedrick’s voice who addressed Diron. Instead it was the last person I would have ever expected, it was…
“It may not be my job, but I heard Jedrick’s summons. He’s currently, er… ‘Tied up’ with something, Sire. Might I offer my assistance in his stead?”
Caedes, it was Caedes! His ultra-calm and oddly submissive voice could be heard clearly, even through the wooden panels of my cell. When I moved to look through the tiny crack, I could just almost catch his frame. Sadly, though, I couldn't see more than the edge of his left shoulder because of Diron’s throne blocking my vision. Still, it was enough to fill me with joy… The thought of him being so close to me, just a few feet away.
If I could only speak right now..!
“Caedes,” Diron greeted, sounding far more passive now. “Remind me, how long has it been since I put you under probation?”
“Almost six months, now, sire,” Caedes replied.
Diron paused, perhaps thinking something over. “Well, I suppose you’ve dealt with that long enough, haven’t you? I'll figure someone else to take over food service for you.”
“I greatly appreciate it, Lord Diron.”
“Now, would you move this prisoner for me? To the back row, where she will still be isolated.”
“Certainly.”
My heart tugged every time I heard him speak. For two weeks I’d been forced to listen to nothing but meetings between Diron and all those wicked men of his. I’d listen as ‘important clan business’ was conducted, and if I made a single sound, one of the guards at my cell would put a gag on me. It’d been grueling, my time away from him.
The only good part of this arrangement was being able to sleep on something comfortable for the first time in years.
Yes, Diron had indeed held up his end of the bargain. Shortly after our deal had been made, a maid had come and provided me with a thin mattress, feathered pillow, and a cotton blanket. But honestly, the fact that he came through only made me more suspicious. All of it was so off-putting, his sudden change in demeanor…
Ka-chink.
My attention was snagged by the door unlocking. I jumped, feeling a surge of emotions as the door swung open. I finally got to see Caedes again, though I found it disappointing I couldn’t throw my arms around him in a hug. The only thing about him that looked any different was his hair, had he forgotten to brush it the past couple of days? And there were dark circles beneath his eyes like he hadn’t slept, which worried me. The best part about seeing him, though, was the fact that for the first time in several months, there were no bars to cloud my vision as I took in his visage. I wanted to say something, but his expression gave a clear warning for us stay silent for now. And so he carefully tied a rope around my wrists, then began leading me out of the throne room. Out of curiosity I glanced over at Diron who was—unsurprisingly—seated on his throne. His attention seemed far from us, though. From what I could tell he was deeply interested in reading the contents of a letter.
Ah, Caedes is overly worried. We can speak, just not traditionally.
“I guess you must have missed seeing me every day, huh?” I asked sarcastically, glancing his way.
“You miss me as much as I missed you?”
“No, what reason would I?” Caedes scoffed, seeming unbothered to even look my way. But when I glanced at his forward gaze I noticed the hint of amusement in his eyes—and understood what it meant.
“No, actually, even more.”
“What have the guards been up to without having to deal with me all the time, anyway?” I scoffed. “I bet they’re aching to see my face again, aren’t they?”
I glanced to see his reaction, silently asking, “is everything the same?”, and “will everything go back to normal?”
But the look he gave me next was grave, and held a serious warning. This alone was enough to startle me.
“Don't push your luck, prisoner,” he muttered. “And, I’m not really in the mood to talk, understood?”
I knew he was telling me to be quiet because as we made our way down the small spiral staircase that led down to the cells, I really was pushing my luck. It wasn’t just the guards we had to worry about overhearing; there were servants everywhere, even if you didn’t notice them. And servants were notorious for their gossip, even in a dreary place like this. But the look and tone he’d taken on were unsettling… It made me wonder what had happened in the many days we’d been separate, because it was obvious something had. Despite all the questions I had for him, I decided to heed his warning, and fell silent as we descended the spiral staircase. Walking past cell after cell, I knew my time with him was running short, and that only fostered dread. Why was I being brought to an ‘isolated cell’? Would I be completely cut off from contact with my friends? For how long?
How long will it be before I see Caedes again after this?
To distract myself, I focused on the warmth of his hand, which rested on my shackled wrists. This was a feeling I'd missed quite a bit, and it brought me some comfort.
If only just for a minute, it’s still nice…
“Ey! What do’ya think yer doing, Caedes?”
And then our silent-yet-pleasant stroll was interrupted by a low, burly, and wholly unwelcomed voice. We came to a stop, but only because of the Avartian soldier blocking our path, so tall and brawny, he could be mistaken for a brick wall. He was wearing steel armor, had a jagged-edged sword at his side, and had shoulder-length hair. To add to his intimidation, was quite tall, practically towering over Caedes.
“Diron ordered me to move her.” Caedes replied.
His tone came off like a sharpened blade to back up his defense. Well, it was the truth, after all... Still, his body language showed tension, I even felt his grip on my wrists tighten. And his eyes, was he aware of how angry he looked?
“Expecting me to believe that shite?” The man grumbled. “You ain’t all that, Caedes, least not anymore. Yer just a servant now, give me one good reason Diron’d care to have you in his presence?”
“Don’t go aggravating him, Conall,” a man from behind him sighed, his voice just as thick with their accent, though far lower, almost sinister.
I watched as the second male shoved past ‘Conall’, whose large size took up most of the hallway’s space. His expression seemed irritated, like he’d had to deal with this scenario before—and found this task tiresome.
“Actually, his Lordship just waved my punishment today, so I’m officially back to being your superior,” Caedes corrected. “Feel free to validate my claim with Diron if you’d like… But I would advise you to first consider if I’d bother lying to you.”
“No, ya wouldn’t,” the second male muttered, showing blatant disinterest in even speaking on the matter. “There’d be no point.”
Finally I lifted my head to glance at the man who’d just spoken, momentarily meeting his gaze. I was surprised to find a familiar face, though I wasn’t sure where I knew him from. His looks were, well… Purely Avartian. His hair was pitch black and as straight as a blade; cut short but with long bangs in the front, some pieces reaching his eyes. And as for those eyes, they were intriguing, perhaps even alluring—but in an unsettling sense. They were the color of wine, a deep purple around the edge fading to a rich burgundy center. I expected to see an evil glower within them, expected to find hatred boring into me like a knife, just like every other Avartian looked at me. But I instead found a calm and steady gaze laced with confidence, yet also...
Humility? Is that what that look is? Yet he gives off a superior presence…
“You’re just looking for a fight, Conall,” Caedes muttered. “We’ve run this circle before… I’m not giving you any thrills, so step aside before this prisoner starts getting ideas.”
Conall’s already harsh face shifted to an angry glare, like he was already imagining how it would feel to throw Caedes through a few walls… But the man with wine colored eyes intruded before such a thing could occur.
“Don’t go causing trouble! Just get moving, ya feckin’ moron...”
There was a terrifying stretch of silence hung in the air as Conall stared us down, but eventually the soldiers went their separate way. I wanted to say something to Caedes as soon as they were gone, but the look on his face told me he wasn’t in the mood for words.
I’m just happy we got them off our backs…
“This is where we part ways.”
When Caedes finally spoke, they were words I’d been dreading. We’d come to a stop beside an empty cell, and that realization only made me feel worse.
Are you really going to leave me just like this? Without telling me what’s going on? Without answering any of my questions?
My head began to spin, the worry making me feel dizzy, but then an unexpected feeling brought back to clarity. It was his breath brushing against my ear as he whispered.
“Kara, I left you a present in your new cell.”
“What?” I whispered back. “How? Did you know I would be being moved all along?”
“Yes, but don't ask me how.”
I didn’t say anything more as he untied the rope from around my wrists, the clear sign our time was up. But when I motioned to walk into my cell, he grabbed my arm and pulled me back.
“We’re getting out of here soon,” he whispered, his words sending a shockwave through me. “Very soon.”
My heart leaped at his next gesture, something I was wholly unprepared for. Caedes gently kissed my temple, then moved away as if nothing had happened. I stared at him, my expression blank, utterly speechless. He still didn’t elaborate on any of his actions, and merely held my gaze with an odd sort of look as he locked my cell.
Caedes… Why? I don’t understand!
I couldn’t call out to him, I couldn’t say a word… I could only watch with desperation as he walked away, leaving me to try and put the puzzle pieces together.
But what truly filled my heart with dread? It was that my dinner had been delivered by somebody new that night.

««—»»

‘Surprised’, is he? Really thinks I should have thrown my walking corpse to the wolves, does he? Even better yet, to the literal King of Wolves himself.
I had to admit as I walked down the hallways twisting their way throughout this damn castle, I was sick of this repulsive life. “I’m honestly surprised at you, Rusc,”, Diron’s voice still annoyingly echoed… Even after I’d taken such a long walk to clear my head. I really couldn’t shake this burning anger within me, which my so-called ‘Clan Leader’ had provoked, despite my naturally calm personality.
I pledge my loyalty to him, spend ten years of my life in this death pit watching my entire teenhood pass me by? A fucking decade dedicating my life to his cause, all because I’ve been blind to better options? Well, that’s all going to change right now.
I exhaled a sharp breath as I stepped into a familiar room, one that acted as the ‘private quarters’ for high ranked soldiers. But no, it wasn’t where I slept, it was where my personal items were stored. I was only here for a specific reason, and that was to retrieve them and leave. Well, I couldn’t just stroll right out the entrance, of course. That would result in a lot of questioning, and if Donovan caught on, there’d be no escaping his suspicion. I had to be very careful with how I proceeded with this plan… If anyone even saw me clearing out my cabinet, I’d likely be found out.
Then again, it’s not like I exactly care anymore, right? I’m not going to get caught, anyway… I’m done serving him, I’m ready to fight for something worth raising a blade for.
Travel bag in hand, I began grabbing everything I could from my cabinet, dwelling just for a moment on what few things I had left from my home—from before. Honestly, most of the things I'd collected during my time in Avartia were nearly meaningless to me, despite how long I’d lived here for. Maybe I’d take one or two important things, but otherwise the Avartians could kiss off, really.
“So, you’re finally leaving, Rusc?”
I was certain I felt my soul leap from my body, but relaxed and turned to face who'd spoken. I knew that voice better than anyone’s in this place, I’d bargain.
“Caedes, you bastard, why would you startle me like that?” I asked, half nervous, half trying not to laugh.
We instantly knocked forearms with each other—a greeting we’d shared since our trainee days. It was simply something we’d started doing at some point, and never stopped.
“I’m sorry,” he said, breathing a short laugh. “I couldn't help it. After all, we won’t be in touch for quite a while.”
Ah, he was right, and it made me feel a bit guilty. We’d always been good friends, helping each other survive here because we were different from the rest. Even in this moment I could tell his guard was low… Could hear it in his voice, how he was letting the Aridoran accent reach his voice, whereas he’d begun hiding it amongst everyone else years ago.
“No, it’s alright… I’m sorry as well,” I replied, sighing as I ran a hand through my hair (a hint at my stress level.)
“Listen, Rusc,” Caedes whispered, his bright crimson eyes sharpening. “I’ll be getting out of here soon, too, and not alone… But something tells me Diron already knows about it.”
I crossed my arms, mulling that idea over for a few moments before giving a response. “What makes you think that?”
He frowned, probably because of an unpleasant thought. “He’s been treating me with too much leniency lately, it’s as if my plans are falling into place too well. It’s fishy, that’s all, and I don’t like it.”
Well, I thought, you’re probably right, but…
“Just get your girl out, don't worry about his plans,” I replied. “Besides, I caught as good a look at the Fire Heiress’ power as anyone could, and you don’t have anything to worry about. Your real leader is coming, and she’ll take care of him, that much I can tell you.”
I could see the relief and inspiration in Caedes’ gaze as he thought my words over as well. The sliver of a grin peeked through the neutral mask he usually kept. “So where are you going to go then, Rusc? If you say ‘Extorris’, I’ll have to knock some sense into you, just like I used to.”
I scoffed lightly. “Hardly, Caedes,” I replied as I headed towards the door he’d entered from, sensing that our time may be running short. “I figured I might pay a certain someone a visit in Cogitare.”
When the realization came to his expression, I flashed him a tiny smile before waving farewell. I needed to get moving if I was going to get out of there without a fight, though I was fully prepared for that outcome.
Goodbye, my past. I’m cutting my ties with you and saying hello to the raging fire that symbolizes our future.