Order of Swans (The Blue Swan Duology #1)

Chapter 27

27

An hour before dawn, three pine cones, skewered on arrows, flew into the mouth of the cave and landed on the fire. There were a few sparks from the pitch and Tanek looked up, saw that the tabor didn’t sense danger, so he put his head down and went back to sleep.

The cones began to smolder. Swirls of blue-gray smoke filled the cave, and as the sleeping inhabitants breathed it in, they smiled. It was a pleasant smell. They went deeper into sleep. Then even deeper.

When the people, in clothes that blended with the snow and trees, arrived, those in the cave didn’t wake up. The largest man grunted as he picked up Tanek and put him over his shoulder. The second man carefully removed the sleeping Never from Kaley’s hair and handed the little woman to the next person. Nessa was easy, as was Tibby.

The last person, the smallest but obviously the leader, went to the back. He made an inspection, seeing what he knew to be there, then he pulled a pot from his pocket. He used the contents to reseal the door that led into Haver’s Solace, then he disabled the latch that opened the door. Next time, it could only be opened under his supervision.

Once that was done, he went back into the larger room. The people had been cleared out, and the man looked about the cave. Their belongings were spread out, as though they’d made a home. He closed his eyes in remembered pain. It was so like the way Haver used to live.

Others would remove the packs, but there was one thing that Zeon wanted. He picked up the copy of The Hobbit , put it inside his shirt, kicked out the fire and left.

When Kaley woke, her first thought was that she’d died and was now in Heaven. She remembered the snow, the howling wind, the hard, cold stone floor—and finding Haver.

In spite of what she knew to be true, her body felt clean sheets, a soft mattress, warmth—and the deliciousness of Tanek holding her. She snuggled against him.

It was minutes before she realized he was awake, but she didn’t want to open her eyes. She was afraid that reality would make the dream go away.

He smoothed her hair away from her face.

It took her a moment to realize that he was bare chested and he was clean ! “Did you take a snow bath?” she murmured.

“No. I had a tub full of hot water, warm towels, and scented soap.”

“That’s my dream, too.”

“It’s not a dream,” he said softly. “We were kidnapped during the night and we now seem to be inside a castle.”

She smiled against his bare skin. “You’ve been reading my fairy tales.”

“I think we’re living in one of your stories, and this part is real.”

Kaley finally opened her eyes, turned over and looked around. They were in bed together in a room even more lavish and beautiful than in King Aramus’s house. “I don’t understand. We were in a cave and—” She looked at him. “Why aren’t you upset? How did we get here? Who did this?”

Tanek reached out to a table beside the big bed, picked up a card and handed it to her. It was printed in two languages.

Welcome to my home. When you are ready, please join me for a meal. My life and my resources are at your disposal to help you find your son.

Zeon

“Do you know who this is?” she asked.

“Never met him but Jobi told me of him. He said we can trust him. There are clothes in that cabinet.”

“Clean ones?” She nearly leaped out of bed, but then felt the pocket of her sweatshirt. It was empty.

“It’s over there on the table.”

Kaley went to the beautiful table, inlaid with mother of pearl, and there was the Ruger. It had been cleaned. She turned to Tanek. How did she explain where she got it? She tried to think of a story to tell. Whatever she concocted, it would be a lie through omission.

He got out of bed. He had on loose cotton trousers that hung low on his hips. “Tell me when you want to.”

She couldn’t think of a reply but she was glad not to be interrogated. If she started, she’d never be able to keep from telling him the truth about his grandfather. Right now he didn’t need to be distracted from finding Mekos.

“Do you know how to use it?” he asked.

“Very well.”

He smiled at her, glad of her answer. “I don’t know about you, but the promise of a meal makes me want to find it.”

She started toward the door that she assumed led to the bathroom, but turned back. Tanek had opened a curtain and was standing in front of the window. Outside, snow whirled around a stone pillar topped with a sculpture of a bird in flight. The wind seemed to have calmed but it was still bad. She looked at the ridges on his muscular back.

On impulse, she went to him and put her arms around his waist, her head nestled between the ridges. “Thank you,” she said. “Thank you for respecting me and not asking questions. I’ll tell you everything when I can.” She hesitated. “And thank you for offering to share your life with me.”

He put his hands over hers, raised them and kissed her palms. “Go now or I’ll not be able to withhold myself.”

“Yeah?” She sounded so eager that he laughed.

He removed her arms from around him and she headed toward the bathroom. “I think your ridges are getting bigger. If they sprout wings, I want a ride.”

He laughed again, then said, “Go!”

Kaley took a shower so hot her skin turned red. When she got out, she found clean clothes lying on a bench by the door. It looked like Tanek had come in while she was in the shower. Like Cupid and Psyche , she thought. She towel-dried her hair, used her makeup that had been laid out for her and left the room.

Tanek was waiting for her. He was dressed all in black. With his black beard and hair, he looked divine. She stared at him.

He turned his back to her. “There isn’t room for my wings.”

“Then I guess you’ll have to take your shirt off,” she said solemnly.

Smiling, he crooked his arm for her, she took it, he opened the door and they went into a magnificent hallway. A pretty young woman wearing a long blue dress and a short embroidered jacket was waiting for them. Smiling, she silently led them down the hall, then halted before a window. When Kaley and Tanek looked out, they could see part of the building they were in. It really was a huge castle, complete with pointed caps on towers and narrow windows, all of it made of stone.

Tanek was watching her. “Like it?”

“A fairy-tale castle? Oh yes.”

The young woman led them to wide double doors, two guards opened them, and Kaley and Tanek stared in awe. Magnificent didn’t come close to describing the room. Gold-embossed carvings and green stone made up the walls. The ceilings were painted with glorious landscapes with half-dressed men and women in gauzy gowns. There were pictures of animals that hadn’t been seen on Earth in centuries.

One long wall was floor-to-ceiling windows showing the glistening snow outside. Around the room were men and women in uniforms that looked like something from the Ottoman Empire. They wore big, ballooning trousers with short, colorful jackets.

“Do you think they stole the design from Earth or the other way around?” she asked.

Tanek gave her a look that was becoming familiar: Earth humor.

To the left were two long tables. One was loaded with a buffet of beautiful porcelain dishes filled with steaming hot food. The second one had four place settings.

To the right, at the far end of the room, was a smaller table, and sitting at it was Nessa. He had two guards behind him and a young woman on each side of him, serving him. He didn’t look up when Tanek and Kaley entered.

“Personal protection and private service,” Kaley said. “We have princes on Earth who demand that.” She looked around. “Where’s Sojee?”

A man entered from a side door. He wasn’t tall or big, but there was no doubt that he was in charge. Kaley and Tanek stood up straighter.

Kaley wanted to ask about Sojee but before she could get the words out, the big man entered. She ran to him and threw her arms around his waist.

Sojee was smiling and hugging her back. “Had I known this would be my reception, I would have come to you last night.” Tanek and Sojee exchanged smiles, glad to see each other.

Sojee glanced behind him. “This monster has scared everyone.”

Looking very small, Tibby entered. He had an expression that he’d decimate anyone who came near him, but when he saw Kaley, he nearly melted. He ran to her and leaped into her arms. As she clutched him to her, she looked at the man. “Arit?”

Stepping to the side, he extended his arm.

A young woman, holding a pillow with tassels, entered. On it were half a dozen colorful tiny pillows. In the center of them was Arit. She looked like she’d had a bath, her long hair was coiffed and she had on a pretty dress of pink and silver. She was smiling broadly.

“You’ve spoiled her forever.” Tanek was frowning.

“Their beer is so good!” Arit said, but only Tanek and Kaley understood her.

After the pillow holding Arit was gently set on the table, Kaley turned to the man. His eyes were twinkling. He was a handsome man, probably in his fifties and very fit, like he could defeat a dozen men the size of Sojee.

“Now that your family is here, may we eat?” That his words were directed to Kaley seemed to say that she was the boss.

“You got that right.” Sojee gave the smaller man a hard slap on the back. He didn’t flinch or lose his balance.

“I am Zeon,” he said, “and you are welcome to my home.”

“We need to find my son,” Tanek said.

“I am of the Order of Sight and I am here to help you.”

“Like Jobi,” Kaley said.

Zeon gave a gracious smile. “There are only three of us. I am the second in our order.”

“Isn’t the strength of power related to the hierarchy?” Tanek asked.

“Yes,” Zeon said modestly.

Sojee was at the table of food, his plate and mouth full. “Who’s at the top of the heap?”

“No idea,” Zeon said cheerfully. “That’s kept a secret even from Jobi and me.”

“This planet should be renamed Secrets ,” Kaley said.

“And your Earth is so open with information?” Zeon asked.

Sojee laughed while Kaley grimaced. Tanek was waiting through this talk for information about his son.

Zeon turned to him. “I have arranged for you to leave at sundown on horses that know the way to the top of the mountain. You’ll find the men and your son at dawn, and you’ll catch them by surprise.”

Kaley said, “If the griffins are still with them, Tanek will charm them.”

“They are not.” Zeon’s face was serious. “The men are waiting for other birds. They can’t leave until they arrive. My vision isn’t clear, but one bird has huge wings.”

“Could be something prehistoric from Earth,” Kaley said.

“Perhaps,” Zeon said. “Please help yourself to the food. Packs are being prepared for you, and warmer clothes.”

They filled their plates then sat down at the table. Zeon’s portion was sparse, while the others ate heartily.

“If you have sight, how is my son doing now?” Tanek asked.

“I have kept up with him through all this,” Zeon said. “He is hungry, cold and very angry, but that’s good. His anger keeps him warm.” Zeon looked startled as a sight seemed to come to him. “He meant to do this! But something is wrong. It isn’t going as he planned. He—”

A shout from Nessa cut him off. He stood up and the two guardsmen stepped forward. “ I planned it,” he said in anger. “Not him. It was my plan and I’m given no credit for it.”

They all stared at him. It was as though Nessa was saying that the kidnapping was good .

Both Tanek and Sojee started to get up, but Zeon gave a slight head nod and the guards escorted Nessa from the room.

Once he was gone, they looked at Zeon, waiting for his explanation.

“My vision isn’t clear.” He gave a little smile. “More clear than what Jobi can see, but still...”

Sojee was tearing a bread roll in half. “He has less power than you, but you have less than number one.”

Zeon gave a small laugh in agreement. He’d been put in his place. “What I see is that Mekos wanted to be the savior, but the men knew who he was. They never wanted that nasty little prince, but Mekos didn’t know that. They want to take Mekos to Empyrea. Why?”

They all looked at Tanek. Only he might know the answer. “I have no idea why they would want him.”

Kaley let out a cry of pain. Her necklace had turned red-hot. She grabbed a napkin and put it between her skin and the metal. Instantly, it burned a hole in the napkin.

Sojee jumped up and tried to take the necklace off her neck, but it wouldn’t budge.

“Tell a truth!” she said to Tanek, her teeth clenched in anger and pain.

Tanek spoke loudly. “No one on Empyrea will hurt him, but I don’t want him to go.”

Instantly, the necklace went cold.

Sojee and Kaley glared at Tanek, who looked guilty.

Zeon appeared to be fascinated. “You have a necklace of truth.”

“More like a fireball of lies.” Kaley gave a side-glance at Tanek.

“Fireballs,” Sojee said, grinning. “I have a scar from one of those.”

“Put white feathers on it.” Kaley looked at Tanek sitting next to her. “You could have killed me! Look at this!” She held up the napkin with a hole burned in it.

Tanek kept his head down.

“No wonder you’re willing to forgive me about any secrets I have.” Her voice was rising. “You’re holding in some really big ones.” She looked around him to Sojee. “You said there was only one secret. I found that one out but there’s this.” She waved the napkin.

Sojee wasn’t the least bothered by Kaley’s anger. He got up to get more food. “I only know one. Looks like Swan Boy has a few more.”

Kaley turned to Tanek. “You—”

Zeon’s laugh cut her off. “I feel great friendship here. Tell me where you found that necklace.”

Tanek had his head down and Kaley was still angry at him.

“It was in a house made of cake,” Sojee said.

Kaley smiled. “That’s where I met Arit, only I didn’t know who or what she was.”

“And later you found the tabor,” Tanek said.

“Who killed that guard,” Sojee added. “Wish I could have done that.”

“I want to hear the story,” Zeon said.

The three of them talked over each other as they told part of what they had been through. Tanek described how Kaley had run into a burning building to save two children. Sojee told that she knew what was going on in the house before she even saw the place. Kaley talked about the men fighting the fireballs. “And Tanek can soar,” she ended with.

Zeon was quiet for a moment. “That was Uella’s house. She’s the second of four sisters. She was always very unhealthy.”

Garen’s family , Kaley thought. She wanted to know more about them. “Four sisters?” she asked. “Are they all like that one?”

Sojee said, “Urah, the mother of Olina, is the oldest of the four.”

“Yes, that’s right,” Zeon said, while Kaley and Tanek looked at Sojee in surprise.

“The third one was Winel,” Zeon said. “That poor girl. That ended badly for everyone, but she did have a son.”

“Garen,” Kaley said, and was pleased that Zeon looked surprised.

“Garen is Kaley’s friend,” Tanek said, but didn’t explain further.

“What happened to his mother?” she asked.

Zeon grimaced. “Her father murdered her, then Garen took the man’s life.”

Kaley didn’t feel the need to tell who Garen’s father was. “What about the fourth sister?”

Zeon was looking at her in speculation, as though he knew she wasn’t telling all she knew. “Reena is the youngest and she’s a beauty.” He looked at Tanek. “Wellan was so in love with her that it hurt to look at them. Haver—” Abruptly, he cut off and glanced at Kaley.

He knows that I found the body! she thought.

“Haver was my friend and I miss him every day,” Zeon said.

“So do I,” Tanek said softly. “I’ve only just learned of my uncle Wellan.”

Zeon looked at Kaley. “There’s another half to your necklace. If they’re put together, they can force people to tell the truth. Ask a question and a person cannot resist telling all they know.” He smiled. “Except those of us from the Order of Sight. We control our own minds.”

“I’d like to have the other half,” Kaley said. “There are some truths that I very much want to hear.”

“I want to know more about the safety of my son,” Tanek said.

Zeon became solemn. “I wish I could say that you’ll be fully successful tomorrow, but there is a hindrance. These men are angry at Mekos for sending their birds away and making them walk.” He took a breath. “They are men of impulse, not logic or loyalty.” He looked at Tanek. “Someone wants your son very much. I can see that all of this was planned a long time ago, and it has to do with you .”

Tanek made no answer.

Zeon shook his head, then his eyes lit up. “Ah! Your son is involved in something on Pithan. He—”

When Kaley pushed over a chair, the room echoed with the noise. She glared pointedly at Zeon. “What were you saying?”

“Nothing of any importance.” He was smiling, understanding that he was not to tell this particular secret.

Now that they were fed, bathed and rested, it was as though some interior force made them turn toward the tall windows. By the look of the sunlight, it was hours before they were supposed to leave.

They looked at each other. In silent communication, they were agreeing to leave now. They’d save Mekos from more hours spent with his captors.

Sojee was the first to stand up. He stretched his shoulders. “I might take a nap.”

Kaley put her hand over her necklace to cover its pink glow. He was telling a small lie.

“Good idea.” Tanek stood up.

Zeon knew what they were planning. He made a motion toward one of the guardsmen. “Jobi told me of something on Earth called a magic show. Perhaps you’d like to see one.”

Kaley stood up. “Oh no! I’ve had enough magic to last my whole life. I couldn’t even get Cinderella’s shoe off my foot! Too much magic.” She faked a yawn. “A nap sounds good.”

The door opened and three guards entered. Two were carrying a tall mirror on a wooden stand. The third one held a pretty metal box.

Zeon opened the box and removed what looked to be a Mardi Gras half mask, except that since it was transparent, it was useless.

“We’ll see it later.” Tanek put his hand on the back of Kaley’s waist, but she didn’t move.

“What does it do?” she asked.

Tanek and Sojee gave groans but she ignored them.

“It can change people,” Zeon said.

“Make them invisible?” Kaley asked. “That happens often in fairy tales.”

“In a way.” Zeon held it out to her. “Want to try it?”

She glanced at Tanek and Sojee, who were wearing identical expressions of Let’s go! She looked back at Zeon and took the mask. It felt fluid, like a bag filled with water. “I’m not sure it will work on me.”

“Put it on and try,” he said. “Perhaps it’s enchantments that don’t work with you, but objects do.”

“Necklace doesn’t work with her,” Sojee said impatiently.

Zeon ignored him. As much as they wanted to leave, Zeon seemed determined that they stay. He looked at Kaley. “Put it on, then envision a different look for someone and they will change.”

“Will it put me in a princess gown?” Her joke didn’t make Tanek or Sojee smile. When she put the mask up to her face, it slid on like it was part of her skin. “Can you see it?”

“No,” Zeon said. “Now look at someone and imagine them being different.” His hand indicated anyone in the big room.

Sojee was scowling at her, impatient, ready to leave. “Maybe I should imagine the true look of a person.” In her mind he was like a giant Viking warrior about to head into battle.

Seconds later, Tanek gasped.

Sojee had changed to having a gray beard and tied-back gray hair. He was shirtless, but had a heavy, fur-lined leather strap over one shoulder. The other shoulder was heavily tattooed. There was a thick leather belt about his waist that held several knives. Big wool trousers went to his knees, stopping at tall leather boots with thick soles. In both hands were axes with curved blades.

Sojee looked down at himself in shock and Zeon motioned to the mirror. Sojee stared at himself, then turned to Kaley. “Is this the way you see me?”

“More or less.” She wasn’t sure if that was good or bad.

Sojee bent and kissed her forehead. “I am pleased.”

They all laughed, then turned to look at Tanek. It was his turn to be transformed.

He took a step back. “No. I’m fine the way I am.”

“Try with a stranger,” Zeon said to Kaley. “Perhaps change him into an Earth costume that is less...” He looked at Sojee, and was unable to describe his look of fierce warrior.

Kaley turned to a very handsome guard. “I’ll try a tuxedo.” She imagined the garment but nothing happened. Then Sojee let out a loud laugh and she turned.

Tanek had on the outfit of a seventeenth-century Highlander. He wore a green-and-brown kilt, tall wool socks and brogues. A dark green jacket with brass buttons was crisscrossed with a full armory of weapons.

Tanek looked down at the kilt in disgust. “You have dressed me as a woman.”

Four of the guards about the room were female. Kaley looked at them. “Does he look like a woman to you?”

The women repressed smiles as they shook their heads. He was far, far from appearing to be female.

Sojee pushed Tanek toward the mirror.

As Tanek stared at his reflection, he shrugged. “Perhaps it has some merit. The buttons have swans on them.” He looked at Zeon. “Who can use that mask?”

“Whoever possesses it. Would you like to try?”

“He’ll change us all into swans,” Kaley said.

“All right,” Zeon said, “let’s see if you two are connected.”

“Do you need proof?” Sojee said. “They can’t bear to be apart.”

“Not true.” Tanek held out his hand.

The mask was easy to remove and she put it in Tanek’s hand but he didn’t put it on. They turned at Sojee’s growl of disappointment. He was back to his normal clothes. “I liked it,” he muttered.

“Kaley,” Zeon said, “imagine yourself wearing something beautiful. The favorite garment you’ve ever seen.”

“That’s easy. Something from a Jane Austen movie. Very romantic.”

“Good,” Zeon said, “now put it into the mind of Tanek and see if the information transfers.”

As Tanek slipped on the mask, Kaley brought up images of a long, loose, white cotton gown embroidered with snowdrops. Very ladylike and genteel.

Tanek was looking at her. The mask had blended so well on his face that she couldn’t see it, but then she hadn’t been able to feel it on her own face.

She waited but nothing happened. It looked like there was no thought transfer or that Tanek couldn’t make the mask work. It was only when she looked at the men’s silent, wide-eyed expressions that she went to the mirror.

She was wearing the Jane Austen dress she’d imagined—only it was less than half sized. The bodice was cut so low most of her breasts were exposed. The skirt barely covered her crotch. The fabric clung like it had been spray-painted on—and she had on nothing underneath.

She whirled on Tanek. “You bastard!”

“Is...uh...” Zeon started. “Is that the dress you imagined?”

“It has little flowers on it. I sensed those clearly.” Tanek was grinning broadly.

“Fix this!” she said.

He gave a sigh of sadness, then suddenly, she was back in her cotton trousers and long-sleeve T-shirt.

“Give me that mask! I’m going to put you in fishnets and heels.”

Smiling, Tanek removed the mask and held it out to her.

But Zeon took it. “I believe you both need practice. The mask is my gift to you.” He paused. “There may come a time when a disguise will be useful.”

Tanek and Sojee nodded in understanding.

“My turn first,” Kaley said, and took the mask.

The big doors opened and the woman in the hall escorted them to a beautiful room with couches and chairs. One wall was covered with mirrors. She turned to Tanek. “I’m going to change you into Mr. Darcy. Or maybe into Frankenstein’s monster.”

“Can you?” he taunted, an eyebrow raised.

She slipped on the mask and put him in the tiny trunks of an Olympic swimmer.

Behind them, just outside in the hallway, Sojee and Zeon watched. “They’re practicing un dressing rather than dressing.” Sojee looked at Zeon seriously. “What do you foresee if we go to Pithan?”

“Someone is blocking me from seeing much. There is a young woman. She’s angry and bitter. She believes she was cheated out of what is rightfully hers.”

“That would be Aradella.”

“Beware of her. She will cause problems.” He looked into the room. “Tanek is quite handsome, isn’t he? Power and vast riches tempt even the strongest of men.”

“And women.”

“Yes, but not Kaley. She is—” Zeon’s eyes widened as he looked up at Sojee. They’d already seen that it was his I have a vision look. “Does she know about you?”

“She has no idea and I don’t want her to be told.”

“I think she’ll be pleased,” Zeon said.

“I hope so.” Sojee glanced into the room. “I’d like to try my hand with that mask. Do you think I can connect with my—? With Kaley?”

“I would imagine so.” Smiling, Zeon stepped back. “The horses will be ready at sundown.”

Sojee snorted. “And you have given the children a toy to occupy them until the time that you have chosen.”

Zeon’s laugh could be heard echoing as he walked away.