Reza’s journey to the Towers Island took longer than ever before, but he managed to reach the island before All Hallow’s Eve officially began. Fortunately, with their wicked axe and bundle of rods, the guards’ presence helped him navigate through the crowd, as people had little interest in dealing with them. Reza felt terrible, but there wasn’t much he could do; he had promised Sabine to stay with the guards this time. Otherwise, this wouldn’t have been an issue to begin with.
“Marius over here,” Cassia shouted, and Reza turned around to see his sisters and the Sullis with a large crowd of nobles standing on the steps of the Palace. He quickly joined them.
“Apologies for my lateness,” he bowed to Lord Sulli and shook Lukas’s hand. He kissed Marie's hand briefly and hugged both his sisters.
“You almost missed it. Marie said it should start any moment now.” She lightly smacked his shoulder but held a smile on her face as she returned her focus to the sky.
Reza shrugged, smiling. “I’m here now. Lukas, did you train today? I apologize for not being more focused; as soon as the contest ends, I’ll be as dedicated as ever.”
Lukas looked over and winced. “Master Vorcana gave me the day off. Although he said, he’d double my workout for a few days to make up for it.” Lukas looked a bit worried about the prospect. “May the echoes guide me through those.”
Reza and Lukas both laughed. However, Reza thought Vorcana was likely not lying and would work Lukas harder for the day off. It was better to have a few challenging days than falling behind.
With the rumors of war, a young man of his caliber may be brought into the fighting sooner than in more peaceful times.
“Do your best. After the contest, I’ll meet with you and Vorcana to assess your martial and magical progress.”
Before Lukas could respond, the towers of the echoes dimmed the lights from the seven glowing towers that had gone out, leaving only a faint glow within the Forum itself.
“Is this the beginning?” Cassia asked.
No one answered, their eyes all fixed on the sky. Reza started looking around, but their spot on the palace step offered no clues. As they waited, small glows began to appear in the sky. Blue, silver, purple, yellow, and every color imaginable appeared.
Reza could see more and more wraiths appearing high up in the sky everywhere he looked. It took moments, but more and more appeared, coming closer until finally, Reza could start to make out the faces of the wraiths. They were young men in uniforms, old women in flowing robes, and a one-legged man with an eye patch. Each and every wraith was different, tens of thousands in the sky above Archon.
It went on for minutes, with more and more wraiths appearing everywhere you looked and starting to move throughout the city. Finally, Elana appeared next to them, followed by Severin, Jasper Tavia’s Wraith, and Fleur Cassia’s Wraith. A young lady glowing in light blue stood next to Maries, who had to be her Wraith, while an ancient bearded soldier stood next to Lord Sulli. Reza realized this was the first time he had seen either of their wraiths, and he was curious about the powers they might wield. But that is a question for another time.
Elana walked up to him and smiled before darting away into the sky and disappearing without a glance back. He watched as every one of their wraiths left. Most walked into the crowds, but Fleur went flying after Elana.
“They didn’t stay very long,” Reza said. Usually, Elana stayed for a few minutes before leaving. Fleur and Jasper usually did the same, but maybe with the number of wraiths in the city, they didn’t want to waste time with their mere pact-wielders; he couldn’t be sure.
Music started to play in different parts of the Forum, and people began to dance and sing. Merchants shouted their wares, drinks, and food, which were offered to everyone. The intoxicating smells made Reza hungry.
“Enjoy the night; the Forum will be a safe place with all the soldiers patrolling,” Lord Sulli said before moving up the steps to a group of much older men. Lord Rewan, one of the many, waved down at Reza and held a cup in greeting.
Reza acknowledged him and turned to the others. “I’m going to walk for a bit and see what I can find. Would you guys like to join me?”
Everyone nodded. Reza turned to his guards. “One of you with me. The rest can stay here until I return.”
It took only a moment for Lecullus to point to one of his men, who stayed at Reza’s side. They set out with the guard bringing up the rear of the group.
The crowd was immense, with barely enough room to move through the forum. Despite the limited space, Reza maintained the lead and skillfully navigated through the narrow paths that emerged. Everyone’s gaze was captivated by the thousands of glowing wraiths as they went about their daily routines.
As they ventured further from the Palace stairs, the crowd began to thin out, and Reza finally caught a glimpse of patches of open ground. He made her way into one of these areas and spotted Rhyael, her young Wraith, nowhere to be found.
Rhyael’s pale complexion was even more striking than Reza remembered. She wore a burgundy dress adorned with a black shawl that covered her upper body from the biting cold of the night, for only autumn had the night become so chilly, surpassing Reza’s expectations. Rhyael noticed Reza immediately and approached him with a small group following closely behind.
“Lord Reza, I hope you are having a lovely Hallows’ Eve tonight,” she said, glancing towards the others in his group.
Reza bowed and kissed her hand briefly as she extended it. “As best it can be. The sight has certainly made up for some of that.”
He turned and motioned to his sisters, along with the Sulli’s. “These are my sisters, Tavia and Cassia, along with my other companions, Lukas and Marie Sulli. This is Rhyael Orlon. She had a front-row seat to an assassination attempt on me just as she finished her wraith pact.”
Rhyael nodded. “It’s a pleasure to meet you all. Yes, it was quite the introduction. My mother has told the story about a dozen times already to friends. She has made my part seem much more important than it was.”
“Nonsense, you were fearless in front of a trained assassin. Other people I know would not have been able to do that much,” Reza responded. “It was quite impressive, and you should be proud.”
“Very well, I shall,” she said as she hugged Marie tightly.
Reza was surprised, but he probably shouldn’t have been. Both were part of two of the city’s powerful noble families, so they had to have met before. “Marie, it’s good to see you again. I missed you at the last party,” he said.
Marie laughed. “Circumstances beyond my control. But those parties are all the same. I probably didn’t miss much.”
“You’re right, of course. It was quite boring. Father got Adrick to be my companion for the night. The man could barely keep a conversation going,” Rhyael looked annoyed and then alarmed. “I’m so sorry, these are my companions. Marie will know my cousins, Larsen and Katera Orlon, and this is my butler, Xander.”
The butler kept his face passive, though he nodded to Reza’s group. The man was older with grey metal hair, but he didn’t hold himself as if he were older. He looked much more than just a butler; dressed in a black coat and pants, he held himself like a soldier. Rhyael’s cousins were younger by a few years, and they both bowed but didn’t speak.
Reza glanced over to Lukas, noticing that the young man had slowly made his way to Reza’s side.
Rhyael also noticed and held her hand out again. Reza caught Lukas' slight hesitation before he took her hand. Lukas kissed it briefly, copying Reza almost exactly.
“It’s wonderful to meet you, Rhyael. Did Reza mention that you’ve obtained your Wraith?”
She nodded. “It’s a pleasure to meet you finally, Lukas. Many people have been eager to meet you. However, you’ve kept yourself away from the other nobles since you arrived in the city.”
Reza was quite certain about his thoughts on the interaction. Lukas stared back but answered quickly.
“Yes, it’s been a very hectic last few weeks with family business and my training. I never seem to have enough time for everything. I’ll make sure to attend the next one if you’ll be there,” Lukas said with a smile.
Rhyael smiled, too. “Of course, perhaps you’ll do better at keeping a conversation than the others. But I’ve been so rude that I ignored your question. Yes, I recently made my pact.”
Stolen novel; please report.
“I eagerly await the opportunity,” Lukas said. “I recently made my pact with my Wraith, Severin. I managed to find his name with the help of a researcher at the library.”
Rhyael excitedly nodded. “Yes, I did too. Did Lord Reza recommend you to do the same?”
“He did. Is that your first recommendation to everyone?” Lukas asked, both of them glancing towards Reza, who just shrugged.
“Yes, knowledge is everything. Even a fragment of information should be known about your Wraith,” he answered. “So, you were able to find her name?”
“Yes,” she nodded happily. “The research was much easier than I anticipated. There aren’t many Wraiths as young as she or with her color. Narisa confirmed the name just yesterday,” she bowed again. “Thank you for the suggestion. I feel as if the pact is stronger somehow because I know her name.”
Reza nodded. “It will be, although power-wise, nothing will change because of it. However, it puts the partnership on a more level playing field. I’ve found Elana more willing to work with me than other people’s wraiths simply because I took the time to learn her name,” he looked at Lukas for a moment before turning back. “Any other information? Did they mention her powers? It goes a long way towards helping control her powers.”
Rhyael shook her head. “Unfortunately, there wasn’t much beyond the name and description from about two hundred years ago. My father has already advised me to take my time trying to figure it out. He doesn’t want me to hurt myself.”
Reza nodded. He glanced at his sisters. Tavia whispered to Marie, who had a small smile on her face. Cassia looked eager to move on, finding the conversation now past interesting. He would have to end it soon.
“Lukas, when do you meet with Vorcana tomorrow?” Reza asked.
“The first session is at the third hour after dawn, I believe. Why do you ask?” Lukas seemed confused.
Turning his attention back to Rhyael, Reza explained. “Well, if your father is concerned, Desmond Vorcana and I are working with Sulli here to train him in his pact and weapons. You could join us. I can’t promise I can make it tomorrow or until I finish the contest, but we can help you figure it out.” Reza offered. He had mentioned Sulli’s name, as she and Lukas were part of the ten families; his father would probably be more willing to allow such an opportunity.
Rhyael looked excited but held herself back from answering. She turned to Xander. “Do you think father will go for it?”
Xander nodded. “I think it’s a wise offer. When you ask your father, he will be more than willing to accept, especially if a Vorcana and Lord Reza are involved.”
Her eyes beamed. “Perfect! I will accept then.” She bowed again to Reza. “I must go then if I am to train in the morning. Lukas, I will see you tomorrow and hope to see you, Lord Reza. Thank you for this opportunity.”
Reza bowed again. “Of course, I will be sure to attend a portion of the training tomorrow. Understand, this isn’t just training the pact; you’ll do everything Lukas will. Be prepared.”
“Of course, I thought nothing different. I’ve trained with former soldiers for a couple of years now to be prepared,” Rhyael flashed, her eyes beaming with excitement. “Have a lovely rest of your Hallow’s Eve.”
Rhyael and her small group quickly followed her as she hurried back to the Palace steps.
“Well, I guess I found you a practice partner,” Reza said, laughing.
“Lukas, you better be ready. She’s fierce, much more like Sabine than me,” Marie said, taking Tavia’s arm in hers. “You’d like her, Tavia. Not to mention, her father is someone you’ll want to meet. I guess this will be an easy way to do so.”
“Very well, Marie. You’ll have to take me to one of these parties to start the introductions before I can make them partners,” she said, looking eager at the prospect. “Marius, make sure this works out. I’d like to continue to grow these ventures even more.”
Reza could only laugh. He hadn’t thought about business partners; he just wanted to build a good relationship with another powerful family. He shrugged at her. “I’ll do my best. Lukas, don’t make a fool out of us.”
Lukas stirred when he heard his name. He had been looking in the direction Rhyael had disappeared. “What?”
“Nothing, let’s go get something to eat. I’m hungry,” Reza said, looking for the nearest table.
The crowd was still small, though it was growing. Reza finally spotted a merchant who had just had a large group move away from him as other merchants yelled about their wares. He stopped in front of his table and noticed a small table filled with large pastries displayed.
“Ah, my Lord. What can I do for you? I have some fine pastries filled with apples or a mix of berries, and I think I still have some pear. I also have some decent wine, though it might not be up to your standards, and some lovely hot cider,” he said, waving at the selection on the table before him.
Reza glanced over the wars before ordering. “Five cups of cider and five apple pastries, please,” he said, pulling out his purse. “What will that cost me?”
The merchant took a moment before answering. “Two shades and three crypts will be all.”
The city was bustling with excitement, and the celebration was in full swing. Despite the slightly steep price, Reza couldn’t help but feel a sense of joy. He pulled out the silver and copper, handing them to the man. The money vanished swiftly under his robe, and he began distributing drinks and pastries to each.
“Have a wonderful Hallows Night, and may the Echoes ever shine upon you,” he bowed, and they bid each other farewell.
They navigated through the crowd, and Reza finished his pastry quickly before taking a sip to wash it down.
“This is wonderful! I wish we had more,” Tavia remarked, looking back at their starting point.
Cassia chuckled. “There will be other food elsewhere, sister. We also have tea later with the Sullis. Let’s keep going; I’m eager to hear one of the singers or storytellers.” She pushed past Reza and grabbed his arm, leading him along. He glanced back only to ensure that the others were still with them.
Fortunately, Cassia spotted a small crowd near the Broken Kings Manor. Reza could finally hear the enticing melody of the lute.
With renewed energy, he pushed forward, and people made their way when they noticed the guard’s presence, his ax securely attached to his shoulder. Any citizen recognized the power that emanated from Reza.
They settled in to listen to the man in front of them.
“Hear me, hear me, ladies and gentlemen. I shall regale you with the tale of this night, a song that chronicles the history of our magnificent city,” a low voice resonated with the lute's music. Reza recognized it as Elias, the singer Tavia had hired for their party weeks ago.
Elias began to weave a tapestry of stories, starting with the legendary Warden of Collinoc, who held the pass of Berilia. He then sang about the Battle of Salwin, a pivotal conflict that had taken place three hundred years ago. Elias’s voice transported them back to the myth of the northern horde, a tale that had captivated Reza when he was young.
Each story was a treasure trove of knowledge and love, ranging from tales of lost affection to the city’s greatest triumphs and defeats. Elias held the attention of his small crowd throughout, his voice captivating them with its passion and storytelling prowess. Finally, he pulled out his lute out one last time and began to tune it, setting the stage for another enchanting musical performance.
“Ladies and gentlemen, I have one final surprise tonight. A song of the city’s birth after its destruction hundreds of years ago.” His voice grew lower, yet it carried to all ears listening. “I sing you only the truth.”
The lutes’ first note, sung sadly, was followed by Elias’s slow, mournful tune, accompanied by his gravelly voice.
At dawn, the battle drums resound,
No warning came, and no solace was found.
The gods descended, wrath unchained,
A city’s fate in fire ordained.
We still see how he defends
The city he brought to its end.
We still feel his mournful cries
For those, he led to their demise.
He stood amidst the burning land,
A broken king with trembling hands.
The ashes whispered of his reign,
A legacy etched deep in pain.
We still see how he defends
The city he brought to its end.
We still feel his mournful cries
For those, he led to their demise.
He challenged gods, and their power defied,
No refuge left, no place to hide.
His kingdom turned to barren stone,
A monarch lost, forever alone.
We still see how he defends
The city he brought to its end.
We still feel his mournful cries
For those, he led to their demise.
Now gods lie chained beneath the land,
Their voices were silenced by his hand.
The city stands, a remnant of old,
Where gods and king eternally confined.
He finished the song's last note, dying with the sound of all around him. Reza looked towards the Manor and the Broken King, who sat on his black throne. Was Elias telling the truth? It was the most unique telling of the city he had ever heard.
“Reza, what did you think?” Tavia asked.
“I’m not sure. It was something, to say the least,” Reza answered. Elias packed his lute and gathered his belongings, eyeing the people around him. “If you want to go on, I want to talk with him. I can meet you at the palace stairs.”
Reza moved through the last bit of the crowd before stopping at Elias. “Well then, we meet again.”
“Ah, Lord Reza, did you enjoy my song?” He asked, glancing at the guard Reza knew standing behind him.
“Of course, it’s actually why I came over here. I’ve never heard it like this before, nor the story it tells,” Reza stopped, unsure how to articulate the question he wanted to ask, to get the information he wanted to know.
Lucky for him, Elias seemed to know the question. “Ah, yes, it’s a newly written song I recently finished. I’ve been working on it lately from some research I did on the history of this city,” he said, latching his case and swinging it over his shoulder. “I thought I’d debut it tonight and see how people reacted.”
“It had an interesting reaction. You made some unique assertions about our history,” Reza struggled still at what he truly wanted to say. The song had made him uneasy, but he wanted to know more.
“Well, it did at that. I think I will be done singing and playing for the night. I know when a crowd isn’t for me,” he said. “But if you want to know more, Lord Reza, please come to my home, and we can speak more. I’m renting a room in the Tavern district at The Echoes Last.”
He held out his hand, and Reza shook it. He wasn’t sure when he would have a chance to meet with Elias. But he wanted to know more about the song. Elias placed his lute on his back with a last nod and disappeared into the crowd, leaving Reza to stand near the gate leading into the Broken King’s domain.
Reza surveyed the surroundings, but his companions had vanished, leaving him behind with his guard. I believe this is the night for me. He would return home to spend the rest of the night with Sabine while the others could enjoy his absence.
Reza glanced over at his guard. “I believe we should gather the remaining guards and return home.”
The guard nodded. “Of course, Lord Reza, as you command.”
Taking a final moment to observe the Broken King, Reza froze as he recognized Elana's silvery figure entering the eerie building's entrance. She moved slowly before finally stopping in front of the now-standing golden Wraith.
What is she doing there? He glanced around; he had not noticed another Wraith approaching the Manor or the King. It was becoming evident that every Wraith except Elana had abandoned the place. The sky above was even devoid of the glows of Wraiths.
Elana bowed down to one knee in front of the King, but he gently grasped her shoulders and lifted her back to her feet, dropping his arms to his sides. Elana stood frozen, like Reza, staring at the Broken King. She hesitantly approached him before hugging the Wraith. The King reciprocated, holding Elana in his arms. After a while, they released each other, Reza still staring, though neither acknowledged his presence.
Reza watched as they disappeared into the Manor. He stood at the empty entrance, his hand on the gate, in stunned silence. What had he just witnessed?
