IN THE MORNING, Pharinet slipped from her bed early. Although she took care to dress quietly, she had a feeling Khaster woke up, but he did not stir or speak to her. Attired in her riding gear of soft leather, she went directly to Bayard’s chamber and knocked on the door. One of his entourage opened it and told her to wait. He did not invite her within, and closed the door again, virtually in her face. Bayard emerged only a couple of minutes after. Before the dawn had fully fallen across the land, they were riding on the clifftops. At first, Pharinet had imagined she would take him down to the beach and perhaps even into her sea-cave, but now she decided to show him the rock village instead. She would not, however, reveal to him the cove where the dragon stone reared from the sand. It would be taking her betrayal of the Sisterhood too far. And it was betrayal, she felt sure of that. She had never spoken of the sea dragons to anyone but a member of the Sisterhood before. She knew they would not approve of what she was doing. Even though she was curious about what Bayard would say to her, she sensed danger approaching. Her control of the situation was fragile at best. Where the cliff path narrowed, they slowed their horses to a walk. “There is a legend associated with the place we’re going,” Pharinet said. “A legend concerning the fire-drakes.” Bayard raised his eyebrows. “Really? Tell me.” He looked beautiful, his hair flying on the wind like golden banners. She laughed. “You may not wholly approve. A female drake created a great hole in the ground to hide her kittens from the sea dragons. She was not successful. People believe the dragons banished the drakes thousands of years ago.” “Perhaps an elemental battle did take place there,” Bayard said, “but it might have been between opposing factions of fire and sea worshippers. Myths are made of such events. Perhaps a presence of the fire-drakes still remains.” They rode to the lip of rock and down into the crater’s depths. At the bottom they dismounted. Bayard was silent, looking around himself. “Can you feel anything of your fire-drakes here?” Pharinet asked. He shook his head slowly. “I’m not sure. There is a flavor of magic to the air, but no doubt that comes from you.” “From me personally?” Pharinet uttered a laugh. “From your coven and you,” he said. “I like the image you have of me, though I fear it is exaggerated from truth.” Pharinet hooked the reins of her horse over a thorn branch. “Come, look into one of the caves. They say people lived in them once.” She did not take him into the cave used by the Sisterhood for their rites, but another close by. Bayard examined the walls. “Human hands helped to shape this place,” he said. “No fiery breath?” He turned to her with a thin smile. “I can’t dispel the feeling you’re mocking me, Lady Pharinet.” “Not at all. I am simply in the mood for levity.” She sat down on a boulder. ?Well, now we can speak. There are no prying ears and eyes, but for those of the dragons themselves.? He studied her thoughtfully. “I will come straight to the point. It is my wish for you to summon the sea dragons. I know you can do this, especially with the help of the sea wife. Is she an acolyte of yours?” Pharinet laughed again. “You are mistaken about us, my lord. I cannot summon dragons for if they existed at all, they no longer roam this realm. Also, Ellony is no acolyte of mine.” He leaned towards her so swiftly, she could not resist the impulse to recoil. “You are wrong, about yourself and the sea wife.” “What do you mean by ‘sea wife’ exactly?” He drew away from her again. “Only what my mother told me of the relationship between the Palindrakes and the dragons in ages past. The wife of the Dragon Lord was accorded certain powers. His female relatives had their function, but she had her own. All elemental creatures communicate with humanity and bestow their powers through women. The Dragon Lord would send his wife to the shore and the priestesses of his family would conjure up the dragons. Then the wife, who without the assistance of Palindrake women could not invoke them herself, would channel their energy and knowledge to her husband. It was a position of great responsibility.” Pharinet frowned. “It sounds to me as if the sea wife should be a woman of strength, in both mind and body.” “Yes, though appearances can be deceptive.” “Not in Ellony’s case they can’t.” Pharinet stood up and went to the cave mouth, knowing that he followed. “Even if I say I am not a priestess and know nothing of the things you describe, would you still believe I can do what you ask?” She turned to look at him. He was very close to her. He nodded. “I have no doubt.” “Why should I, though? There is a curse over us. And you are a son of Madragore.” Bayard shook his head. “You should do it for yourself. The curse will not fall on anyone who works magic in the empire’s name.” Pharinet turned away from him again. She felt breathless, and chewed into her lower lip until she could taste the metal of blood. “If I were a priestess of the sea, wouldn’t working with you be a heresy against my beliefs?” “The sea is but one element,” Bayard said gently. “There are others. It is a mistake to separate them. Only good can come from my suggestion, for Valraven, and for Caradore itself. Ally yourself with me, Pharinet. Be what you should be.? Pharinet sighed. She felt guilty for wanting to believe him. Yet ever since Caradore had been conquered, the women of the land had worked to keep the old ways alive. Bayard was offering them permission to revive them without fear. How could that be bad? Because of what he is, a cold voice whispered in Pharinet’s mind. You should not trust him. “We have the means to make Valraven more than just a man,” Bayard said. “Very soon, he will be sent from Magrast to fight for my father. Would you let him leave as he is, knowing you could have given him more protection and strength?” “No,” Pharinet said. “But how can I be sure you speak the truth?” “Truth resides in your own heart,” Bayard said. “Look into it, Pharinet. Look deep.” “All I see is a murky fog,” Pharinet replied. “It is the fog that comes from the ocean, smothering everything.” “Then burn that fog away.” She turned to face him. “You said you needed Ellony’s participation?” He nodded, his expression guarded. She could sense his thoughts. He could tell he nearly had her, and was afraid of letting her slip away again. “Then all I can say is this. Even if we could persuade Ellony to assume this role, which I doubt because she is a fearful creature, I cannot see how we could get the privacy we’d need to enact any kind of ritual.” He smiled in obvious relief. “I have convinced you. You are considering my suggestion. Good.” “I’m pleased to gratify you, but you haven’t offered a solution to the problem.” Bayard smiled. “You forget who I am. If I order that certain people should be present on the shore to conduct a rite of Madragore, my word will be obeyed. My companions will be posted as lookouts to ensure no curious eyes observe the proceedings.” Pharinet nodded slowly. “That seems feasible. It must be heady to own such power as yours.” He reached out to touch a lock of her hair. “Yes, it can be.” She was unsure whether to move away from him or not. His gaze was compelling, although she sensed something almost repulsive in it. ?I hope you have an idea of what you wish me to do in this rite of yours, because I have none.? His hand snaked beneath her hair to caress her neck. “I am quite conversant with what is necessary. My mother has a book, which she took from my father’s library when she came to him as a girl. It was taken from your family at the time of the conquest. Perhaps it was a book of secrets, even then. But now it is in my mother’s hands. She has instructed me from it.” “I feel I have quite a picture of your mother,” Pharinet said. “She is ambitious for you.” Both of his hands were on her now, slightly squeezing her throat. He was not a golden lion like his father, but a golden serpent, who might coil about her and constrict her life away. “My mother loves all her sons, but in me, she senses something different. I am an organ of power for her, in a country where women have little.” “I am surprised, given your upbringing, that you conspire in her plans.” “I am not so blind,” he said, and leaned forward to kiss her. The kiss was an enchantment; oddly chaste, yet steaming with repressed desire. Pharinet came out of it dazed, limp in his arms. “Tell me everything,” he said. “I know you have knowledge, Pharinet. I can sense it in you. Share it with me now. Tell me what the dragons have taught you.” “I will tell you about Ellony,??
? Pharinet said. She could not resist. She had to offer him something, so without mentioning the Sisterhood she related how she and Ellony had spent a night at the dragon rock, and what had happened there. “She was marked,” Pharinet said, “but I’m not sure in what way.” “This is good,” Bayard said. “A connection has already been made. I thought it had.” He smiled and plunged his fingers into her hair. “We will go back to Caradore now. You have work to do.”
THAT EVENING, CARADORE WAS a beacon to all the countryside. Light blazed out of it, music filled the air. The courtyard was thronged with carriages that bore the emblems of all the old Caradorean families. Ellony, who loved a party, was in her element, sweeping about the place, trilling greetings, dispensing orders to the harassed servants. Pharinet knew that at some point, she would have to speak to Ellony alone. How could she be persuaded to take part in Bayard?s ritual? Ultimately, it was not that difficult for Pharinet to find a way. A huge feast had been laid out in the main hall of Caradore, where guests could take their pick of the food on offer. Some wandered out into the gardens to consume it, while others stood around in groups, conversing loudly. Ellony flitted from group to group, making sure everyone was content. Pharinet chose her moment, just a few minutes before the dancing began, to home in on her sister-in-law. “Ellie, for Foy’s sake, take the weight off your feet for a moment. Come and have a plate of food. You look very flushed.” Ellony laughed. “I’m not sure whether I feel exhausted or full of energy. But tonight is a success, isn’t it, Pharry? It’s brought Caradore to life.” “Very much so. You’ve done splendidly.” Pharinet took Ellony’s arm and steered her towards one of the tables. Here, she poured them both large goblets of wine, while Ellony filled two plates with shellfish and salads. Then Pharinet propelled Ellony out into the garden. The trees had been strung with tiny lanterns and plates of incense smouldered among the flowers. “Look, there’s a private spot, over by the pool,” Pharinet said. “Let’s escape the throng for a few minutes.” “Oh, this is like being girls again,” Ellony said. “Yes,” Pharinet replied. “Come on.” They sat down together, and began to eat, their goblets set on the flagstones beside them. “Let’s have a toast,” Pharinet said. Ellony put down her plate and picked up her wine. “Oh yes! To what?” Pharinet thought of enough toasts for them to drain their goblets: Valraven, Khaster, the dragons, family, land, ocean and sky. The wine went to Ellony’s head very quickly, as Pharinet thought it might. “Elly, I have something very important to say,” she said. “What?” Ellony hiccuped then giggled. “As you know, Val will leave Magrast very soon. What would you say if I told you there is a way we could give back to him the power of the dragons?” Ellony frowned a little. “How can we? No one knows how, and if we did, the whole of Caradore might burn.” “Not necessarily,” Pharinet said. “I have a secret to tell you. We have an unexpected friend, who knows all about what we believe and desire. This friend is very powerful, and is willing to help us.” “Who?” Ellony asked. “Does Dimara know them?” Pharinet shook her head. “Not exactly.” She turned and took Ellony’s hands in her own. “Elly, it is the prince. It is Bayard!” Ellony’s mouth dropped open. “No! Pharry, what is this? Has he spoken to you?” “Yes! And he has told me wonderful things about you, what you should be. He has knowledge that has been lost to us, Elly. Listen, I’ll tell you.” Frowns and smiles rippled across Ellony’s face as Pharinet told her an edited version of what had transpired with Bayard. Like Pharinet, it was clear she wanted to believe, yet part of her was unsure. “But why, Pharry?” she asked when Pharinet finished speaking. “Why should the prince care what happens to Val?” “He is very fond of Val,” Pharinet said. “And he understands magic. He understands us, Ellie. He wants to help us.” Pharinet raised her hands. “Oh, I know he must have selfish reasons, too. He wants to experience the sea dragons’ power for himself. But he is willing to share that experience.” Ellony was not yet smiling again. “It would be dangerous. The Merante would never approve. None of our Sisters would.” Pharinet paused. “They won’t know.” Ellony’s hands shot to her face. “Oh Pharry, we can’t do that! We can’t!” “Why not?” Pharinet asked softly. Ellony shook her head. “It would just be wrong. Bayard is the emperor’s son. It would be a betrayal of all we hold dear.” “No it wouldn’t.” Pharinet paused again. “Ellie, we have the means to make Valraven more than just a man. Very soon, he will be sent from Magrast to fight for the empire. Would you let him leave as he is, knowing you could have given him more protection and strength?” Ellony stared at Pharinet beseechingly. There were tears in her eyes now. “No,” she said faintly, shaking her head. “I couldn’t.” Pharinet touched Ellony’s white hands, which were clasped tightly in her lap. “Then you’ll do this thing?” “Oh Pharry!” Ellony collapsed against her. “I would do anything for Val, you know that. But I am afraid. The dragons marked me. I’m not sure I’m the person you want me to be.” Pharinet put her arms about her friend’s warm body, felt her shuddering, silent sobs. She kissed Ellony’s hair. “You are,” she murmured. “Have no fear. We will be doing the right thing. Trust me.” Her spine prickled. Someone was watching them. Quickly, she turned to look back at the open windows of the castle, and saw Bayard standing there, looking out at her. She had a feeling that, in some arcane way, he had heard every word of their conversation. Later, Bayard cornered Pharinet at the side of the main hall. Her feet ached because she had danced for over two hours with Khaster and Valraven. Everyone seemed to be in a strangely euphoric mood, as if a battle was to start in the morning, its outcome unsure. Bayard bowed to her. “I have yet to experience the pleasure of a dance with you,” he said. “Shall we?” Pharinet inclined her head and got painfully to her feet. She staggered a little and Bayard put an arm around her for support. “You have been overtaxing yourself.” She laughed. “I rarely get the chance to dance.” He led her out onto the floor, where they spun round for a few moments. Then, Bayard steered her back towards the gardens. “We must speak,” he said. Pharinet glanced around herself. No one of significance appeared to be watching them. “Very well. Just for a moment.” She took him to a secluded arbor surrounded by ancient yews. Pharinet sat down upon the trunk of a fallen tree. Bayard stood before her, looking like a fierce angel in the radiance of the moon. His hair was white gold. “Stand up,” he said. “My feet pain me. I’d rather sit.” He held out a hand. “Please stand, Pharinet.” Sighing, she did so. “Why? What do you …” Her words were cut off as he pulled her swiftly towards him and covered her mouth with his own. She managed to break away. “Stop! Anyone could come looking for us.” “Oh, and don’t you like such risks?” He pulled her towards him again, his hand clawing her voluminous skirts up her thighs. Pharinet could not help but think of the snatched moments of illicit lust she enjoyed with her brother. It was always like this, in some secluded spot, groping, fumbling, haste and anxiety. But desire too, strong desire. She could feel it now, igniting in her belly. Bayard pushed her back against one of the yews. He tore the lace of her undergarments in his impetuosity and took her standing up against the tree. The bark scored her shoulders, ripped into the fabric of her gown. She welcomed the savagery of it, and curled her thighs around his waist. He was so strong, holding her there, thrusting into her. She couldn’t help but cry out when the moment of climax came. His whole body went rigid. She felt him empty his seed into her, strong pulses of scalding ichor. Then he shuddered and lowered her gently to the ground. ?There, I am now part of both of you,? he said. Pharinet pushed tendrils of tangled hair from her face. She was still panting. “You are a beast of fire. How can I return to the party now? Look what you have done to me.” She began to laugh. He pulled her to him, kissed her briefly but deeply. “You smell like him,” he said and pressed his nose into her hair, inhaling slowly. “We must talk now,” Pharinet said. “Quickly. It is why we are here.” Bayard laughed. “There’s no need. I know you’ve accomplished what you set out to do.” Pharinet pulled away from him and folded her arms. “I see.” He grinned. “I want
ed you, Pharinet. Is that so terrible? I love your brother. It often frightens me how much. I have to possess what he possesses.” He pulled her to him once more. “We should be together, all of us. Would you like that?” “Don’t!” Pharinet said, but a wild, fleeting image splashed across her mind. She could imagine it easily. “After tomorrow,” he said, cupping one of her breasts with a hand and squeezing it. “Before Val and I leave. I shall request both of you to dine in my chamber. How about that?” “What will Val say?” Bayard grinned. “What will Val say? Do you really have to ask?” Yes, Pharinet thought. I do. The Valraven I knew would never do anything like that. “You’ve changed him,” she said. Pharinet had to creep into the castle through a turret door and run with prickling flesh to her room, terrified she’d be discovered in a dishevelled state, which clearly advertised what she’d been doing. She’d have to make an excuse about spilling wine on her gown, anything. Her underwear was ruined, her legs slick with Bayard’s seed. Once she’d gained the sanctuary of her room, she leaned against the door with relief. In a mirror opposite she could see what a wanton spectacle she presented. Khaster could never do for her what she’d just experienced, nor could he approximate the intensity and fire of Valraven’s love-making. Pharinet felt weak to think that within a day she might be with Bayard and Valraven at the same time. It was beyond her wildest fantasies. When she went back down to the main hall, everyone commented on the fact that she’d changed her gown, and seemed to find it hilarious she’d ruined it with wine. No one suspected the truth. Pharinet felt drunk with power. Guests were leaving now, and servants had begun to clear away the remains of the feast. Bayard stood with Everna, Thomist, Valraven and Ellony near the great fireplace, in which no fire burned. Pharinet went to join them. She saw Khaster sitting alone at the edge of the hall. He watched her intently. A pang of remorse stabbed through her body. Khaster looked vulnerable and beautiful. He looked pure. She smiled at him and forced the thought from her mind. They would all be gone soon. She must do what she had to do. “I’ve explained to your family I’d like to enact a Madragorian rite at the beach tomorrow at dawn,” Bayard said. He turned to the others. “I have already mentioned this to Lady Pharinet.” Pharinet could tell Everna was not at all happy about the suggestion. Ellony looked stricken, hanging onto Valraven’s arm and staring at the floor. “Of course we must indulge your request,” Everna said, “but why the beach?” She risked a stern smile. “It is rather too similar to a rite that took place a long time ago, when Caradore fell to the empire.” Pharinet was surprised Everna said that. Her earlier sycophantic behaviour with Bayard appeared to have vanished. Bayard, however, remained gallant, which was no surprise at all. “I can understand why you would think that, but please believe I have nothing sinister in mind.” He put a hand on Valraven’s shoulder. “I wish only to bless my friend before he leaves for Cos. It is only fitting that his twin sister and his wife should be there. I want males and females to be equally represented.” “Perhaps, then, Thomist and I should take part,” Everna said in a hard voice. Bayard laughed lightly. “It’s very kind of you to suggest that, but I prefer to conduct this rite with a limited number. It’s personal to me.” Everna shrugged in a stiff manner. “You do not have to ask for permission from me, my lord. You are the emperor’s son. We are merely your servants.” “Never that,” Bayard said. He glanced at Pharinet with hooded eyes. “I look upon the Palindrakes as friends.”