Ascension (Blight Book 1) Read online

  The doctor nodded. "We were questioned, but none of us were taken in for deep interrogation."

  "I could not risk that happening. They have ways of sensing the truth. If any of you had been put to the deep question because of me. . . ." he shook his head. "They would have tortured you and then done worse before killing you. The laws for harbouring a traitor are clear."

  "How come you did not leave the city?"

  "I did. For a short time. Then I watched this district and, when no one found my holdings, I decided to come back and test the waters." Leo smiled. "There is much work still to be done in this part of the world, Doc. I set this secondary life up in case anything terrible should happen. I never expected to need it so soon, but it’s fortunate that it was already in place."

  "You have run into no one who recognizes you?"

  "Doc, you are a man who travels further than the average person. How many times have you been to the silk district?"

  "Not many."

  "Exactly. And when you do come you stay to the main roads and buildings. This house is located in a secluded corner. Even those who live here seldom venture out this far."

  "It is clever."

  "People, in general, are also very accommodating. They do not look for a dead man walking amongst them."

  "It’s true. Mouse is as sharp as they come and he barely recognized you."

  Leo laughed. "I passed by Mouse a dozen times before he finally caught on and noticed me."

  "Really?"

  "Yes. I stood in one place for over twenty minutes waiting for him to‘stumble’upon me."

  "You wanted us to find you?"

  "Of course. Once enough time had passed, I wanted to reunite. We have much work to do. An empire to continue building."

  The doctor nodded.

  "I see that you have kept everything running smoothly in my absence."

  "Yes."

  "What’s wrong?" Leo frowned.

  "We are not entirely certain that you are Leo."

  "How can you say that? Each of you has come to speak with me. Am I not the same person you have all known for years?"

  "For the most part."

  "Ah." Leo nodded. "You’re picking up on the minute details. The different muscle movements and variations in speech."

  "It’s subtle," the doctor admitted. "If Stick hadn’t pointed it out, I don’t know if the rest of us would have noticed."

  "I understand. It’s tiny, but makes an enormous difference. I learned that it’s the key to the process of‘becoming’someone different."

  The doctor held up his hand and wiggled his fingers. "Stick says it is as unique to a person as the prints on their fingers. That a person cannot change how their muscles act at such a deep level."

  "So you think I am not Leo."

  "It’s a valid concern."

  "Of course. The scope of our business and organization depends on certainty."

  "No one saw your body, which helps us to believe that this could have been orchestrated."

  Leo steepled his fingers and placed them against his lips.

  "You living inside the city is strange, but your story does seem plausible. The fact that no one has come to arrest you also strengthens your claim." The doctor considered the facts for a moment and then shook his head. "What do you have to say for yourself?"

  Leo raised his eyebrows and held his hands up in the air. "I’ve already said it. I look like me, I feel like me, I know everything that Leo knew. Sure, I might sound a bit different." He paused, took a deep breath, raised and then lowered his shoulders dramatically, and then spoke again. "But I can switch back to the mannerisms I had before, although it is dangerous for me to do so."

  The doctor squinted, unable to tell if Leo’s tone or inflection had changed at all.

  "Ultimately it comes down to this: I know everything about myself and each of you. I know the business that is working in the other districts inside and out. TheÉlua can decide that I am Leo and we move forward, or that I am not and leave me out of the mix."

  "What if we do? Leave you out."

  Leo’s smile vanished and he looked at the doctor with a blank expression. "Then, in accordance with our agreement, the four of you are released and everything reverts back to me."

  The doctor looked at the man sitting across from him. With a sigh, he nodded. "I believe that you are Leo."

  Leo smiled and nodded his head. "I’m glad you recognize me, Doc. Now go tell the others so that we can get on with our business. I would like all of you to return here in two days’time. We will meet and discuss how to move forward."

  "How long will you remain hidden here?"

  "A few more months."

  "King Adam will never allow you to return to the other districts. If he finds out you are alive—"

  "We can worry about that when the time comes."

  "You have a solution?"

  Leo’s smile widened. "I have a couple in mind."

  The doctor stood and hugged Leo once more before he left.

  The door closed and Leo watched him cross the street and make his way out of sight. The servant who had shown the visitors in entered from the other room. "Do they believe you are actually Leo?"

  Lenidas turned from the window and smiled. "There is no doubt in my mind that they believe. This plan is complex, but it is working perfectly. When I meet with theÉlua in two days, I will assume full control over my twin brother’s empire."

  61

  "King Adam will see you now."

  Bertrand stood and followed the servant down the long hallway. His mood had been foul since receiving the royal summons during the early hours of the morning. He had not been summoned to anything since being promoted to rank of Supreme Commander a year earlier. When he had knelt before the Altar of Light and felt the mantle of leadership rest upon his shoulders he became the most powerful man in the kingdom, answerable to no one. Not even the King.

  That is how it had been under the reign of the prior monarch and his predecessors, but King Adam did not seem to understand the way of things. Bertrand had done his best to politely educate the young monarch, but Adam had different ideas. The months had been filled with constant animosity between the two, and both men knew that the struggle for supremacy would lead to a final showdown. Bertrand had a feeling that was the purpose of this summons.

  The servant opened the large door to the throne room and moved to one side. Bertrand stood in the doorway, waiting to be announced before approaching the King on his throne. Seconds passed and Bertrand felt his face flush with anger. His gaze shifted to the servant who looked at the ground.

  "Come in, Councilman," King Adam beckoned, a tight-lipped smile on his face. "Both of us are busy men, so hurry along, let’s get this over with."

  Bertrand stood tall and straightened his dark blue robes before striding into the room, walking at a brisk pace and halting before the throne. He paused, locking stares with the King before finally bowing—more nod than bow, but acceptable, considering his station.

  "Thank you for coming. I know that you would rather be elsewhere so let me get straight to the point."

  Bertrand maintained a calm visage while he waited for the king to continue.

  "The kingdom relies on the Council for protection and law enforcement, yet your warriors outnumber my own forces."

  "The Council of Light does not have warriors in our ranks, Grace. We are a humble organization comprised of servants, Council members, and Keepers."

  King Adam laughed. "Titles and names. Call them what you will, but everyone knows the Keepers are one of the best-trained military forces in the world."

  "They are the hand of the law, Your Grace."

  "I tire of talk with you, Bertrand."

  Bertrand clenched his teeth, furious at the king’s lack of respect by using his name, but said nothing.

  "You are skilled in the dance of words, I’ll give you that, but the truth is the truth. Call them flowers and I will still say that you possess more
than I." He stood and looked down at the Councilman, anger in his eyes. "I have studied the histories of the Council of Law since I was a boy."

  "Then you know how important the Council is in maintaining prosperity and peace throughout your kingdom."

  King Adam sniffed and shook his head. "I know nothing of the sort. You are a self-serving group of old men who use fear and force to control everything you touch."

  "Few would agree with that assessment."

  "Few are brave enough to speak the truth."

  Bertrand looked at the young king for a moment, then sighed. "I’m sad that you feel that way, Sire."

  "I do."

  "It is obvious that you blame us for the death of your father."

  "That is a small part of it."

  "You wish to share in our profits and businesses."

  The king took a breath and paused.

  Bertrand smiled. "The untimely demise of good King Edward and your subsequent grief has prevented me from properly discussing the transition of power with regard to the Council of Law, Your Grace."

  "What are you saying?"

  "The Council of Law belongs first and foremost to the ruler of this land. There was no time for your father to share such information with you. He would have, if things had progressed peacefully."

  "You’re lying."

  "I’m not. Since your father was murdered, every time we speak it is hostile. I have repeatedly attempted to be kind and initiate proper communications with you in these matters, yet you do not allow it."

  "I assumed that you were attempting to challenge my authority."

  "Adam." Bertrand’s voice softened. "The Council of Law was created by your great-grandfather. You speak of having no military might, but we are that force, cleverly hidden amongst the people, spending our days working to maintain peace and keep law in your kingdom while standing ready to defend the borders should anyone every threaten to invade."

  "I know that is how it was created." The king appeared uncertain. "But these past few years show the Council to be more interested in their own affairs than mine."

  "I agree."

  "You do?"

  "Absolutely. That is one of the reasons for the change in leadership. My predecessor was—" Bertrand paused and shook his head. "A power-hungry man. That is why he was removed and I replaced him."

  The anger disappeared from King Adam’s face. "You are a good man with an excellent record."

  "You are too kind."

  "Perhaps I have been too hasty in my assessment."

  "Thank you."

  "Will you accept my apology?"

  Bertrand bowed low. "Of course, Your Highness. Your grief required an outlet. I am glad that the air has been cleared and we can now move forward together."

  The king sat down on his throne. "What do you suggest?"

  "A meeting at the Keep where we can show you the books and give you a thorough understanding of how we wish to serve you."

  King Adam shook his head. "I’ve been an ass. Of course you are right, Bertrand." He paused. "May I call you Bertrand?"

  "In private, I would be honoured. Around others, I ask that you address me as Commander."

  "Of course." The king stood and approached Bertrand. He extended his hand and the commander clasped his wrist. "Make the arrangements and I will visit."

  "I look forward to it, Sire."

  62

  Leo woke up and stretched in his hammock. It wasn’t until he looked to his left and saw strangers that he remembered the events from the night before. He sat up and looked around.

  "Morning, mate," said a sailor nearby as he pulled a thin white shirt over his head.

  "Morning."

  "If you’re hungry there is food on deck."

  "Thanks."

  "Ricin will want to see you. When you’re done eating, ask anyone and they can point you in his direction."

  Leo stood and headed for the ladder. He stepped onto the deck and squinted in the sunlight, waiting to adjust to the brightness before taking a look around.

  The ship was smaller than Christoph’s but the layout was the same. Crew members milled about, some cleaning the deck with brushes and pails of water while others went about tasks such as tying down sails or moving gear. He had intended to skip breakfast but the smell of cooking sausage made his stomach rumble and his mouth water. He walked towards a group of sailors who had formed a small line and were waiting for food. When it was his turn, the cook looked at him for a moment and then nodded before placing three links of sausage and a scoop of porridge onto his plate.

  "Welcome aboard."

  "Thanks."

  The cook chuckled. "You look surprised. Did ya think we’d slap chains onto your wrists and keep you below deck?"

  "It wasn’t the friendliest invitation to come aboard."

  "I did not have much time to get your attention," Ricin’s deep voice said from behind him.

  Leo turned and nodded at the warrior. "A blade at my throat did the job well enough, I guess."

  Ricin opened his mouth to speak but Leo raised one hand and smiled. "I know it wasn’t the sharp edge, and for that I thank you."

  "I’m pleased that you noticed. The Magus could not hold the ship’s speed for long. I would have asked nicely had there been more time."

  "I’m not a prisoner then?"

  Ricin shook his head. "The Magus wants to meet you. That is all."

  "Why?"

  "I am not positive, but it likely has something to do with the large ball of blue energy that you conjured when he set the lighting at your ship."

  "I have no idea what that was."

  "It was magic."

  Leo smiled. "Likely, but I didn’t do it on purpose and I don’t think I could recreate the feat."

  "That is for the Magus to determine." Ricin accepted a plate of food from the cook with a nod and then looked at Leo. "Come. Let us find a place to eat. I am certain you have questions."

  They moved to an area by the railing and sat. The sky was blue and filled with fluffy clouds. A light wind ruffled Leo’s hair.

  Ricin took a bite of sausage. "It is good to see you again. How are things in your homeland?"

  "Castanell?" Leo shrugged. "Very interesting."

  "In what way?"

  Leo told the warrior how the king had been assassinated and of his own arrest.

  When he finished his story, Ricin raised one eyebrow and sighed. "That is quite the tale. How are you finding life on the sea?"

  "It is very different than life on land, but I am enjoying it. There are many things to be learned out here, and many secrets which are not shared with those on the land."

  "That is why I am also floating around on this great body of water." Ricin closed his eyes and turned his face towards the sun. "It is peaceful out here in ways that are not available with solid ground beneath one’s feet."

  "I am surprised to find you on a pirate ship."

  Ricin opened his eyes and looked at Leo, a small grin appearing on his face. "Why is that?"

  "I took you for a more law-abiding person."

  The dark warrior threw back his head and laughed. "The laws of one group are the chaos of another’s. Trust me, there are rules on a pirate ship. They are different from those of a ship owned by the captain, but they exist."

  "I see."

  "One could even argue that, for the common man, being a crew mate on a pirate ship is the best option."

  "Because of the treasure?"

  "All ships hold treasure. Were your holds not filled with expensive items?"

  "Yes."

  "Who owned that cargo?"

  "The captain."

  "Who decided where to sell the cargo and the prices to charge?"

  "The captain."

  "And there is no need to say it again, but we both know who would profit from any further cargo added during the voyage."

  "Things are different here?"

  "They are."

  "How?"

  "Each m
ember receives an equal share of the profit during the voyage."

  "Really?"

  Ricin nodded. "They also have a vote."

  "About what?"

  "Everything."

  "I don’t understand."

  "I will give you an example, then. We spotted your ship three days ago. We knew that it was a bigger boat than ours, and also of the same class. The crew was assembled and the captain told everyone what was out there and said that he felt it was a good idea to attack. Some did not agree, while others did. Each man was given an opportunity to argue his case, and then we put the matter to a vote."

  "Majority rules?"

  "It does. And once the decision is made, everyone gives all they have to making the outcome positive."

  "Because they share in the spoils."

  "Exactly."

  "Fascinating." Leo finished the oatmeal on his plate and set the dish on his lap. "The captain of this ship does not own it outright?"

  "He doesn’t own it at all. He was elected by vote to lead."

  "Sounds time-consuming and counterproductive. Voting on every little thing that gets done."

  Ricin laughed. "The votes occur on large things only. The captain, for instance, is elected. When we are in the thick of battle, we do not stop and discuss retreating. There is no vote then. The captain makes those decisions."

  "What if he makes the wrong ones?"

  "Then he is human. If he does it too often, then the crew selects someone else to lead."

  "I could be captain, then?"

  "Any of us could."

  "Interesting."

  "I have learned that this is what makes pirates so feared and dangerous. They lead on merit, not by birth."

  "A clever commoner can outsmart a lazy noble."

  "You see the beauty of it."

  Leo nodded. "I certainly do."

  Ricin stood and waited for Leo to do the same. But Leo only stared into the distance.

  "It is time to meet the Magus, Leo. Are you coming?"

  "What?" Leo looked up. "Oh. Yes." He stood and smiled.

  "What were you thinking?"

  Leo reached out and took the other man’s plate, stacking it on top of his own. "I was thinking that perhaps this piracy model could be used to run more than a ship on the ocean."

  "I don’t understand."