Chapter 15

CHAPTER15

Elric was smiling to himself, brushing the fabric of the new coat, when Callan appeared in the shadows beside him. He glanced over at the shade, unsurprised by his abrupt appearance.

“You’re in a good mood, Your Highness,” Callan said. His voice was barely audible over the din of the crowd making their way to the markets or getting ready for the day.

“I am,” Elric agreed. “I am clean, well-dressed, and about to have an audience with King Eoghan. We’re very close to driving my brother out, and I’ll be sitting on the throne, as is my right, before the month is over.”

That was an overly optimistic timeline, but Elric was feeling optimistic after yesterday. Something about spending time with Athan, just the two of them…

“That’s good. Just be sure to remember what your goals are.” Callan placed a dark, inky finger on Elric’s chest. “Don’t let Athan distract you too much.”

Elric shuddered at the cold that radiated out from that touch, and he took a step back. His body wasn’t Callan’s to touch; his mind rebelled against it. “He isn’t distracting me. He’s helping me. And without stealing my memories, at that. I don’t need your help right now. There’s nothing for you this time.”

Callan peered at him, eyes going almost completely black. “Is that what you think? That Athan will do your bidding because you bed him? He’s helping you because he thinks he’s saving you. He’ll vanquish a dragon, but only because he thinks he has an idea of who you should be.”

Elric crossed his arms over himself. “But you’re more trustworthy than Athan? I doubt that.”

Callan slid through the shadows to pop up on Elric’s other side. “No. I’m not trustworthy, Your Highness. But I will help you get what you want because it’s what I want too. But if you would rather waste your time giggling about bad jokes, while your brother continues to rule your land uncontested…”

Discomfort made Elric fidget, but he felt that cold down to his very bones then. Callan was right. He was losing focus. But instead of acknowledging that, he snapped, “Were you spying on us?”

“Why would you think that?” Callan asked, smirking. He tapped his fingers against the side of Elric’s head.

Sharp cold pierced through his ear, and Elric gasped in pain. He stumbled back into the inn’s wall, clutching at it for support. His mouth opened in a silent cry while ice burrowed deeper and deeper inside him, digging, freezing, rusting—

The door to the inn opened, and warmth blasted out.

“Elric?” Athan asked. He grabbed Elric’s arm to steady him. “Are you all right?”

Athan’s heat made the brittle cold snap, and Elric took a long breath. When he looked around, Callan was nowhere to be seen.

“I’m… fine?” Elric said, although he wasn’t sure. He reached up to soothe the spot Callan had touched. There was nothing there—no ice, no darkness.

“Are you sure? If you need to rest, we can just go back. The innkeeper will be happy to let us stay another night, I’m sure.” Athan started tugging Elric back toward the door.

“No!” Elric snapped. He paused, forcing himself to calm when he saw the surprised look on Athan’s features, something almost reminiscent of… hurt. Elric looked away, in the direction of the castle, to distract himself. “No. We have to see the king. We’ve spent enough time playing. It’s time to get back to what we’re meant to be doing.”

Athan’s brows drew together. “Meant to be doing? There’s nothing we’re…”

“Let’s go,” Elric interrupted. He didn’t want to debate their course of action again. It was true that he’d lost a little bit of focus. The reason they were wearing nice clothes and had gotten cleaned up was for this audience with King Eoghan, not as a fun little activity.

Elric hailed a carriage and paid the driver to take them to the castle gates. They spent the ride in relative silence, which was fine by Elric. He had to figure out what he could offer Eoghan to convince him to help.

Marriage to his daughter, a better trade agreement, a… a phoenix feather. Elric cast a sideward glance at Athan, who had his eyes closed.

How did one get a phoenix feather? When he’d touched those glorious wings, not a single feather had come loose. Not that he’d been thinking about stealing a feather back then, but maybe if he hadn’t forgotten his goals…

Even thinking about stealing a feather left his gut churning uncomfortably, though. Elric didn’t want to steal anything from Athan. Callan was wrong about Athan. Unlike most humans, Athan wasn’t thinking in ulterior motives.

They arrived at the palace both too soon and not soon enough. Elric stepped out of the carriage with as much dignity as he could, although he wished he had a full procession to announce him.

“I wish to request an audience with King Eoghan,” Elric said to the attendant who rushed out to meet them. “Let him know that Prince—” and it rankled to use that title, “Elric of Kithage is here to discuss a few matters of state with him.”

The attendant looked at him curiously. “I am unsure His Majesty is currently taking an audience, my liege. Do you have proof of… proof of your stature, or…”

Athan stepped up beside Elric, and the attendant’s eyes widened.

“Please let King Eoghan know that Prince Elric is here to see him,” Athan said quietly. “It’s a request of some urgency.”

The attendant nodded and rushed off.

Apparently Athan was far more important than Elric, able to demonstrate proof of who and what he was with a mere wash of heat.

Another attendant arrived, ushering them into a private audience chamber, and, finally, after at least an hour, King Eoghan deigned to grace them with his presence. The little waiting game was tedious, but Elric had pulled that trick often enough that he understood. Eoghan wanted Elric to know whose time was more important.

Eoghan was an older man, in his early fifties, with gray hair and a gray beard. He must have been quite handsome in his youth, but age had softened him and given him a bit of a belly, visible even through his thick robes.

“I can hardly believe it! Prince Elric, in the flesh!” Eoghan said. “I thought for sure you’d be in hiding by now. I didn’t expect you to show up in my kingdom, of all places.” His eyes landed on Athan. “And you’ve made interesting friends.”

“Yes.” Elric stood taller and bowed to Eoghan. “Your Majesty. I won’t waste your time with petty small talk. I’m sure you’re aware of the situation in Kithage at the moment.”

Eoghan snorted and nodded. “I was invited to the wedding. It was… quite the event. I’ll commend your brother for eschewing some Kithagan customs, although I’m not sure I needed to see two dragons fucking in public.”

Elric was already feeling sour for any reference to changes to any customs at all, but the idea of two dragons having sex in public… His cheeks blanched. “They…” he began faintly. Even the idea of it was repulsive to him. He might not be quite so uncomfortable with people indulging in intercourse, but in the public eye? “I apologize for that, of course.” He shook his head. “My brother doesn’t understand matters of state, clearly, which is part of the reason I stand before you now.”

He glanced at Athan, somehow wanting reassurance but unsure of why he was seeking it from the phoenix.

“I think they were the parents?” Eoghan shuddered visibly. “Two giant lizards, right there, in the gardens.”

Athan suddenly coughed, drawing their attention. “Ah, apologies. I’ve… known a dragon or two, in my time. It sounds very dragon-like.”

“Which brings me to my point,” Elric said. “A dragon cannot be allowed to rule a human kingdom. I have already secured a means to dispose of the dragon himself, but my brother now also commands the guard. I am sure, if I can talk to the generals, I can convince some of them to stand down. However—”

“You need soldiers,” Eoghan interrupted. “You need my soldiers.”

Elric bowed his head, trying not to grind his teeth. “Yes,” he said quietly. “I need help convincing them to see reason, especially now that they can be reassured they won’t be roasted by a dragon.” He gestured to Athan. “My… friend”—was that what Athan was to him?—“will be able to fight the dragon before it’s too late. And I will deal with… my brother.”

For good this time.

The thought shouldn’t have made him feel so hollow inside.

Eoghan gave Elric an assessing look. “That sounds like a lot of risk for me, with very little return. Right now, your brother and his pet dragon are focused on their own affairs. It doesn’t affect me or my kingdom.”

Elric put on his most convincing smile. “Doesn’t it? Because my brother has never been known to have a level head about him. You do recall that whole affair last year, at the summer summit? Now imagine that, but with a beast that enables him.”

That was the summit where Larkin had argued with somebody who’d said… Elric couldn’t even remember, but according to Larkin, it hadn’t been very nice, as if there was any expectation of nice from an assembly of kings, queens, and their attendants. Even Elric’s mother had grimaced about that situation, although her chastisement of Larkin had consisted of nothing more than a reminder about their station and proper conduct.

It was nothing to what she’d have said if Elric had been the one to slip up, a thought that sent slivers of anger through him. He’d barely misstepped with that one baron, and she’d ripped into him.

Eoghan let out a long sigh. “Yes, I was trying to forget that. And, honestly, Elric, I like you, and I do wish you’d taken the crown. But I can’t help you right now. I have other problems.”

It took all of Elric’s training not to show how much the words shocked him. He’d been so sure Eoghan would see things his way, that he’d immediately offer his aid, that the refusal hit him like a punch to the gut. He couldn’t smile, but his expression was solemn, understanding even, as he said, “Kithage would help you with those problems as soon as I was back on the throne.”

It was a foolish thing to promise, especially without knowing the situation, but desperate times called for desperate measures.

“Unfortunately, all my resources are… Well, not all of them, but a large chunk of them, are tied up.” Eoghan turned his attention to Athan. “Actually, perhaps you could help me. Something went… missing recently. We don’t know where the thief went, but surely a being as powerful as yourself would be able to track him down. I have the best men available to me on the job, of course, but with your assistance—”

“No,” Athan answered flatly. “I don’t find things.”

“As I said, Kithage has the resources to help you,” Elric said, increasingly irritated by the way the audience was going. It was difficult enough to have to beg for help. Having to constantly remind Eoghan of his mere presence and the power he offered rankled. “It shouldn’t take much to retake my kingdom with your assistance, and we have many powerful men and expert trackers.”

“I doubt the… item, or the thief, are in Kithage.” Eoghan stepped closer to Athan, reaching out to touch his arm but stopping himself just short. “Please. For the sake of my kingdom. I need the artifact returned, and my—and the thief brought to justice.”

Elric’s annoyance continued to grow, until it edged on anger. Almost, almost, he volunteered Athan to help as an incentive to get Eoghan’s help, but something in Athan’s bearing kept him from doing it. There was no doubt whether Athan could find the item in question, but he seemed to have a reason not to.

“Even if it isn’t in Kithage,” Elric said as calmly as he could, stepping between the king and Athan. “Pardon me, King Eoghan, but we are here to negotiate terms between our kingdoms. Athan said he doesn’t find things, and he will be busy helping me.”

As you’re meant to be! he wanted to say.

“Maybe if Athan were to—” Eoghan started.

Athan took several steps back. “No. I’m not helping you. And we don’t want your help anymore. Elric, we should go. There’s nothing you need here.”

Elric turned to face Athan, unable to keep the disbelief from his own expression. He’d been begging Eoghan; hadn’t that told the phoenix how desperate he was for the king’s help? Why was Athan suddenly refusing to aid Elric? “Athan…”

“I’m going,” Athan announced, heading toward the door. “I’m already involved in one mess. I’m not stepping into another.”

Insidious anger began to creep up within Elric, and he stared at Athan’s retreating figure. Callan had been right; Elric had gotten distracted by the phoenix. He couldn’t get distracted now. He was already begging for help, and Athan knew how much he needed this.

“You swore you’d help me, Athan,” he snapped, unable to keep the words back.

“I am helping you,” Athan answered curtly. “This is how wars start.” Then he pushed the door open and stepped through, leaving Elric and Eoghan alone.

Eoghan started to follow. “Wait! Please, if there’s anything I can pay—”

“Excuse me,” Elric interrupted sharply. “I am here for an audience with you, King Eoghan. I am no peasant to be ignored. I will not be without resources of my own when I reclaim my throne. You do not need the phoenix.”

Eoghan stopped to look at him in confusion, as if he’d almost forgotten Elric was there. “Resources? You have nothing, Elric. A few friends scattered across the land, but the fact you came to me first means they aren’t exactly jumping to aid you. Your brother’s an idiot, but he’s a benevolent idiot. With him on the throne, I won’t have to worry about any border disputes, and he has no idea what a good trade deal looks like for him. I might like you more than him, but without more tangible gain than vague favors, there’s no benefit to helping you.”

Elric stared at Eoghan, unable to believe what he was hearing. “There are— I can—” He sputtered, though he realized quickly enough that there was no way he was going to convince the king to help him.

And it was all Athan’s fault.

“I’ll speak to Athan,” he said curtly.

He turned quickly, stalking off after the phoenix. He just had to change Athan’s mind. He would get Athan to agree to help Eoghan, and Eoghan would give Elric the resources he needed.

Catching up to Athan, he grabbed the phoenix’s arm, trying not to flinch at the even warmer than usual skin. “What were you thinking?” he hissed. “You ruined everything for me!”

“No,” Athan said, shaking Elric’s hand off. He looked around the courtyard, where a few servants had stopped to stare at them. “I did you a favor. Whatever it was he lost, it wasn’t just an item. There was nothing bright or shining about him.”

“You say that about me all the time,” Elric snapped, keeping his voice low to avoid letting the servants hear him. Usually, he would’ve waited until he was in private to have this sort of conversation, but in this particular situation, he couldn’t waste the time. They had to get back in there and talk to Eoghan. “Athan, you promised you’d help me. I need this. We can’t get Kithage back without him.”

Athan’s gaze darkened. “You don’t need any of this. You want it. But it isn’t going to help you. And Eoghan? If he helped you, you’d have lost more than you gained. I’m sure of it.”

Something trickled from Elric’s eyes, which was… strange. He wasn’t crying. He didn’t cry. He wiped furiously at it, only to come away with something black and sticky. “You’re just afraid,” he accused, “that you can’t do it. You don’t really want to face that dragon. You’ve just been leading me on this whole time so you could fuck me.”

“Believe that if you want,” Athan snapped. “But weren’t you the one who told me I needed to be more cynical, and not blindly offer things for free, and…” He made a frustrated noise. “Whatever. I need to… not be here right now.”

Athan broke away from Elric, heading toward the castle gates. Nobody got in his way. Even the cats lazing nearby got up to hide, terrified of Athan’s petty little tantrum.

Elric glared at Athan’s back as the phoenix left, then glanced behind him at the entrance to the castle. That was… over. Eoghan wasn’t going to help him. Elric wanted to throw something, to smash something, to kill something, and the reaction only grew in intensity as he followed Athan past the castle gates.

He didn’t go after him, though, instead finding a shadowy corner out of the way of the guards and snapping, “Callan!”

Callan melted out from the shadows, draping one arm around Elric’s shoulders. “That went very well, didn’t it?”

“Can you find the item the king wants?” Elric snapped, not even trying to get out from Callan’s cold embrace. Part of him wanted to recoil from it, craving Athan’s warmth instead, but he was utterly furious at the phoenix’s betrayal.

Callan stroked his beard thoughtfully. “Perhaps. But it has quite a lot of magical protections on it, and neither the item nor the thief wants to be found. I suspect the item would do its best to reject my attempts to find it.”

Elric scowled at him. “Then what fucking use are you?” he hissed. More of that molasses-like liquid trickled slowly down his face. “What fucking use are either of you? You’re going to just let that fucking dragon rule my kingdom with my idiot brother, and what of me? You’ll let me be hunted down and killed because of his bounty.”

“Oh, I didn’t say that.” Callan slid around to stand in front of Elric. He brought one hand up to rub at the darkness on Elric’s face, then licked it off his fingers. “I have a hunch about where it could be. An item like that, there are only a few places one might want to use it. But it isn’t close by, and the thief has a good week’s head start.”

“So promise Eoghan that you can find it, and get his soldiers in motion,” Elric snarled. “Don’t be as useless as the phoenix you promised could help me!”

Callan tilted his head as if considering. “Why should I do that? We can simply take the item for ourselves.”

Elric paused, staring at Callan for a long moment. “What does the object do?” he asked.

“Supposing one had the knowledge… it might be able to raise an army. An army that needs no food, never tires, and has no will of its own.” Callan leaned closer and licked the dark tear off of Elric’s cheek. “Doesn’t that sound better than owing Eoghan a few favors?”

Elric put a hand on Callan’s chest, ready to push him away, but the words the shade offered appealed to a dark part of him. “You mean the undead. He’s seeking an item that can summon the undead,” he said, partially in disbelief, even as eagerness pulsed inside of him. “Why does Eoghan want it— Oh, never mind. How do we find it?”

“As I mentioned, I cannot track its current location. But… the only place the thief could take it, whether to use or to dispose of it, is an altar hidden in the depths of Phassis. Even moving slowly to avoid detection, a week would be more than enough time to reach it, if one knew where to look.” Callan curled around Elric from behind again, his long, spindly fingers tapping on Elric’s chest. “I can tell you where the altar is. Perhaps the thief hasn’t found it yet.”

Elric shuddered, wiping again at his face. He should’ve asked what the tar-like substance was, but he was too eager to make progress, to move forward at long last. “Take me there,” he said, his voice harsh. “Take what you need from me, but bring me there.”

“With pleasure.” Callan breathed against Elric’s ear, and that dripping cold sensation filled him again—right before the floor fell out from underneath them, sending them both hurtling into the shadows.