The Curse of Pirini Lilapa (GotC #2)

Part I: Chapter 16 - Departure

Brisine woke to a red morning and the cry of seagulls. Throwing on a silk robe of brown, threaded in silver and gold, she then walked past the transparent curtain that blocked the veranda. The stone railing overlooked a vacant courtyard not yet filled with the sleepy castle. Out over the walls was the great greyness of the Krine Sea. Death hung on the morning. The red told her so. When she was younger growing up in the castle a wetnurse told her that a red morning was a dead morning. 

A knock rapped against the door.

Brisine perked her ears. Who could that be? She turned from her balcony and went to her door. Outside a maid ten years below herself with brown locks, a petite jaw, and the beady eyes of a bug, raised her arm ready to knock again.

“Lady Berrese.” She put her arm down. “The Lord’s Council has assembled. They send for you as well.”

Word of my son and husband? “Thank you for the words.” Brisine hurried out the door.

To enter the Communication Chamber she placed her hand on a scanner, identifying herself. Glass doors slid open revealing a computers and servers lined against the wall and at the far end an oval glass mirror. The mirror held the technology to contact people on different planets and arrange with them a face-to-face conversation. A long glass table, shaped to the likeness of Myoli, sat in the middle of the chamber. Generals would gather around it to discuss battle tactics when war occurred. No one stood there now, though, they all gathered around the oval mirror.  

Brisine saw see the falcon eye tattoo on her brother’s receiver, Owlan Menson’s neck and the fine garnet robe of her brother’s advisor, Errion Vesk. Both of her brothers stood in the center, one as general and one as lord. The flops of her sandals gave her away and all turned to smile at her before looking back towards the screen. “Is there word?”

“Word only that they are in meeting with him now,” Abraham spoke.

“And I wasn’t notified of this!”

“You were, Sister. The conversation was short and you did not make it here in time.”

Her older brother Lukas spoke for everyone then in a deep voice hard and confident. A hint of jealousy for Abraham lingered in Lukas’ voice. Before her marriage to Laron she grieved for Lukas some nights, a part of her thought power shouldn’t matter so much. Neither of her sons had power after all. 

“And any word of their meeting?”

“None. Yet.”

The short words Lukas spoke were separate stab wounds to Brisine. I hope they’re alright.

“Do not worry Lady Berrese, they were sent as envoys. By the good word of the Ancients ‘no messenger treating shall come to harm; to this the slayer shall be forewarned.’ Zigarda wouldn’t be foolish enough to kill any of our men, Ancients know only how he has lived so long, he wouldn’t want to defile them now.” Errion smiled.  

Brisine tried a smile. It didn’t feel right. She rubbed her arms and looked at the floor. A constant beeping gathered her attention and she saw a call came from Victor Zigarda. Brisine held her breath until the face of an old, scarred man came on the screen.

“What do we owe the pleasure of your call Lord Zigarda?” Abraham asked.

“And what do I owe for the pleasure of a crowd?”

Behind, Brisine surveyed two bodies cloaked, one in a black robe the other in a red robe, but both had Zigarda’s sigil stitched on their chest. Neither are my son. Where is he? She yanked on Abraham’s sleeve.

"Where is my nephew?”  

“Zain has decided to stay in my company he and his father are busy catching up. I know you understand.”

“Where is Gerald then? Let us speak with him,” Lukas demanded.

“I am not sure where that one has disappeared off to. Probably with the others preparing for departure.”

“Departure?” Errion questioned.

“Why, it makes no sense for all twenty of your soldiers to stay here and take care of Zain. He is under my care. And besides, you might need them.”

What care is that? I want my son and my husband you senile Emporian fool.

“Now, is there anything else?” The room remained silent. “In that case…”

“Wait. A skinchanger came to my house to retrieve my husband’s locked things. Did you who send him?”

“Yes, your son asked me about that as well. I’m afraid I’m only interested in your husband’s jewels. I have no need for ancient lore such as that.” Zigarda cackled.

“But the man—“

“Shifters have been dead since the Conquest, you are seeing things.”

“But have you seen anything?”

“I wouldn’t be able to tell if I had. Good day, Lord Vangle, Lady Berrese, the others.”

The connection cut. Brisine’s heart sank. Zain is over there. He is getting to see my Laron not me.

“I find that whole discussion rather disquieting,” Errion said. “What did Zigarda mean when he said, ‘you may need them.’ Is he planning another attack?”

Brisine hadn’t even noticed that subtlety.

For five minutes as everyone pondered the possibility. Then, the screen buzzed and Gerald Levemp flashed on the screen.

“Connect!”

“It is going as fast as it can, Brisine. You are not the only one who wants to know exactly what’s happened,” Abraham said.

When the screen came to, Gerald stood center on the screen, alone in front of a metal building. Light red fog hung in the air. 

“Gerald, what is happening over there?” Lukas stepped forward.

“Zain met his father. He wants to stay here until they both can go back.”

“You can’t. Bring them home immediately.” Abraham crossed his arms.

“I don’t like it any more than you do my lord. I still don’t trust Zigarda. That’s why I’m outside. I’ll be staying here too, along with some of the others. The rest sail back a few days from now.”

“Why don’t you just come home?” Brisine asked.

“He’s stubborn my lady. He hasn’t seen his dad in months; he doesn’t want to spend more time without him.”

Brisine smiled a slight victory from depression. He is stubborn. I would want the same thing. “Will you bring him back safely?”

“He will come back. I promise you. Even if I don’t. I will make sure he does.”  

Brisine gave way to a smile she hadn’t shown since her wedding day. An odd note still stuck with her, though. She was sure she hadn’t seen things when that man appeared to be Zain. If Zigarda hadn’t sent him, who had? Who else was her husband doing work with?

Gerald began to fade away. His eyes were a foggy steel, a shade darker than the dark blue she remembered. She put a rest to her anxiety and forced herself to think happier thoughts.  At least Gerald’s there. As long as the stars shine, they’ll be safe. I know it.