Heart of Ash (The Dark Arcane Series: Book 1)

Chapter Twenty One

Darius sat poised in his chair, a marionette with bloodied strings leading all the way back to his father. His face crafted of neutrality faltered under the sheer effort it took to maintain it while the court meeting proceeded. But he could do it. If nothing else, he was born to play this role.

"Harlan, how was your trip in Wimsley?"

"Adequate, your royal highness. I had many a decent time with my family," Harlan dipped his head respectfully, displaying his combed red hair.

He had a long face, and a small display of freckles on a strong nose. He spoke of the wily nature of fire and was the one who'd egged Darius on when he tricked Lord David Barrowmead into removing all his clothes one drunken night at a ball.

Harlan had taken over from his father as lord of Sloceana at a young age, so was only five years older than himself but it never ceased to amaze him how much power he commanded in his words. As well as being a Lord, he helped to train the emperor's army, and commanded several hundred men.

But there was a certain strain in Harlan's eyes as he talked as if a memory was flashing before him and he couldn't help but watch it.

Darius watched him curiously.

"You narrowly escaped the pest of a serial killer, I heard."

"Very fortunate, indeed," Harlan replied, straightening his jacket. "I happened to know the man who died, as well. A pity."

The bloody emperor shifted in his seat, drawing their attention.

"How is our little hunter doing, Captain? He's about halfway through his allotted time, is he not?"

Captain Adar smiled, something dangerous that almost had Darius flinching. It was hard to see the man who'd played pyesheu with his mother within this person at court.

"My protégé is struggling, alas, but it is not a surprise; he always did find things rather difficult. Which is why I think further—"

"What about our Elites?" his father interrupted. "How are they faring?"

"Quite well, your highness," the Captain said slowly. "I have a batch of new Elite apprentices ready. Oh, but there's something I think you should hear concerning the Shadows."

Though he made no movement, he listened with sudden interest. Nala had arrived at Isla's house a few nights ago, stumping him into a silence as she explained what they had found when they looked in the emperor's office, and what they were planning on doing. He didn't care that his closest friend hadn't said goodbye before he left. Truly he didn't.

He was the prince after all, and princes didn't worry about low-borns, and people who work for them.

"I have it from a source that a group of Shadows have left the bloody city, with none other than the Ender himself. They're heading north."

Darius kept breathing, calmly. In and out.

"How big is the group?"

"Six, all with horses."

His heart pounded, warning him to stop, but he spoke anyway, "Who was the source?"