The Azimar Archives Book One- The Book of Death

Nevina

Nevina left Areanath's chambers, veil carefully tied into place, the soft fabric once more covering her eyes and brushing against the bridge of her nose. Her head ached from too much alcohol, and she rubbed at her temples, knowing it would do little to ease the pain. They had finished all of the wine, and she would surely regret it in the morning, but Nevina was happy to have those last few memories with Areanath.

An older knight stood guard across the hall, one hand on the hilt of his sword, the other combing through the scruff of beard on his chin. At her appearance, he straightened, giving her a low bow. "Lady Matriarch, I've been asked by the commander to offer myself as an escort, should you need it. I am Dars, First Knight of the King's Men." The man's accent was Southern, the consonants soft and rolling, and his lined and worn face seemed vaguely familiar.

"Have we met before?"

The knight smiled crookedly. "A time or two, yes. Nothing worth remembering, Matriarch."

"All the same," Nevina said with a tired sigh. "I'm glad you're here. The king and I had quite a lot of wine. I'm not sure I could find my way to the end of the hall at the moment."

Dars snorted lightly, his face lighting up. "I've escorted my fair share of tipsy ladies, Matriarch. Have no fear." He offered a supporting arm, and they started down the hall at a sedate pace.

They walked for several minutes, and after a few turns Nevina was absolutely lost. She held to Dars' arm as he lead her through the castle, letting him talk and giving her mind the chance to slowly clear. Dars complained about the newest recruits they'd just received, using language that might have been unbecoming of a Knight, but that made Nevina smile.

In time, they came to a hall Nevina presumed could only be living quarters. A long row of heavy wooden doors lined each side, the walls between each set of doors decorated in thick tapestries. Dars seemed to consider for a second before choosing one a few feet down the hall and knocking on the door.

"Damned doors all look the same. I think this is the one."

There was a moment of shuffling before the door opened. Ajax stood in the doorway, a book in one hand. His clothing was different, Nevina noticed. His heavy armor and cloak of the King's Guard had been discarded, as had the sword he normally wore on his hip. Instead, he wore a plain tunic tucked into his pants. The effect was startling, making him seemed both smaller and more human.

"Dars." Ajax's eyes shifted from his First Knight to Nevina, and he smiled as he caught sight of her. "Matriarch. I wasn't sure when to expect you. I hope everything went well with the king?"

Nevina nodded. "Very well, I think. The Coven knows it can always rely on Areanath's friendship and aid, and he on ours." It hurt Nevina to say the words, knowing that Areanath only had a little time left in the world.

"Ajax," Dars said, his voice suddenly stern. "A word, before I go."

Ajax glanced between his second and Nevina, one eyebrow raising. "Of course. Come in, both of you." He waved Nevina and Dars through the door and into the front room. "This should only take a moment, Matriarch, then we can be on our way."

Nevina nodded politely as Dars pulled Ajax a few steps away. She could hear anger in his rolling accent, despite the hushed whisper he spoke in. Nevina ignored the two men, taking a few moments to inspect Ajax's quarters.

The furnishings were sparse, but what little was present seemed to be well cared for. A plush chair sat close to the fireplace, empty at the moment, while a tidy desk sat against the far wall. There were papers and a few books arranged in neat stacks on the desk, and Nevina crossed the room in long, slow steps to investigate them.