Page 106 of To No End

I was deep into my reading when I heard a knock on the door. I opened it to find Varro there, informing me that I needed to come with him immediately.

Idris had returned.

All of us gathered in the common room, surprised to see Idris for the first time since he drugged us and delivered us to the doors of Basdie. From my limited encounters, he was normally the picture of calm and collected. This time, though, close observation revealed a twinge of nerves. Something wasn’t right. I feared this visit of his would not bode well for us.

“I come with urgent news. King Baelin of Artume has been assassinated by his brother Silas. He has overthrown his rule and is installing his new regime as we speak.” Idris eyed Saryn and Theory intensely before continuing.

“Silas is a traitor. It is no secret there is a following of dissenters that have grown in numbers over the past few years. He does not wish to honor the peace treaty between Cambria and Artume that his brother has adhered to since the great war.”

I glanced around the room, watching the others take in the news with concerned looks flitting from one face to the next. Saryn shifted uncomfortably from side to side. He appeared the most bothered, which was unusual.

“He has made no further acts at this time, but King Aeon has preemptively deployed an increased number of Kingsguards along the Ledor River. We cannot be certain if they will strike, but are unwilling to take any risks.”

I felt my palms sweat in wary anticipation of more details. I had known this moment would always come for us. The day they’d need us to leave Basdie. When we’d find out the real mission and true purpose. When the king finally came calling. From the corner of my eye, I could see the blood-red tattoos along Trace’s arm as he ran a hand nervously through his tousled hair.

Idris continued, “There will be a change of power, meaning Baelin’s court will be overhauled to root out anyone who will not support the new regime and Silas as their king. Now is the time to embed our assets. Chaos is our doorway.”

Theory stepped forward. “They’re not ready, Idris.”

In a rare display of impatience, Idris spat back, “War does not wait! It was your job to make sure they were ready.”

Theory glared at him through silver eyes. “They don’t always operate like a team, and they haven’t even learned to use the portal stones yet.”

Idris stepped forward, practically nose to nose with her. “You have four days to teach them, and then I’m taking at least two south of the river to Nasallus. I will be back for the rest shortly thereafter.”

Saryn grunted in agreement with Theory, but Idris cocked his head and spoke before Saryn could add more, “I’m swearing them in tonight. I speak for the king.”

I knew I wasn’t the only one holding my breath, trying to accept the fact that we were running out of time.

We all sat in near-complete silence during dinner. Saryn, Theory, and Idris did not join us. My guess is they were discussing who was most prepared and would leave with Idris first. I’d never been to Artume, I doubted any of us had. Though, I’d heard the road south could be treacherous. I had studied it briefly on maps, but those who resided in Cambria under the rule of King Aeon did not travel across the border along the Riverlands. Travel to the other side was reserved for diplomatic and trade envoys.

The peace treaty was delicately maintained. Each had agreed to the established border and which lands were granted to which kingdoms. Rules of engagement were adhered to and, for the most part, peace was manageable. Both sides wanted to focus on restoring their lands and livelihoods, and so it was for many, many years. Until now.

I felt the weight of the moment shifting the flow of history back toward a time when tensions ran high, fighting was rampant, and years were marred by senseless bloodshed. Generations erased.

I was lucky to have not been born then, but I had read the texts and been taught everything there was to know at the academy. A chivalrous line on a map represented nothing more than the words of two kings and signatures on parchment. It could easily be washed away like sand under the tide.

The three of them arrived at the dinner hall dressed in full black regalia, their silver talismans hanging from their necks and reminding me of our invisible brands. They led us out to the terrace where the sun had almost finished setting, instructing us to stand shoulder to shoulder with one another in a straightline. To my left was Varro, and to my right, Trace shifted uncomfortably. Next to him was Gia, followed by Cairis and then Nori.

“Your families delivered you to the Offering. Your king delivered you to the Order. But only your peers can deliver you to the Imperi. Tonight, this ceremony represents embracing the blood of your true brethren beside you. They are your family; they will be with you until your last breath. Trust them with your life, for your people are trusting you with theirs.”

I inhaled deeply, attempting to steel my emotions against the gravity of Idris’ words.

Theory approached Varro with a small blade in hand as Idris continued. “The latest member sworn to the Imperi carries the burden of swearing in the next. A tradition that has been in place since our inception. One by one you will recite your oath... Theory, place your blade on Varro’s throat and repeat after me.”

Eyes wide, my nostrils flared in fear at his instructions. No one moved, not a single flinch, but the energy radiating between the entire group was palpable as I watched Theory lift the small blade to Varro’s throat and hold it against his golden skin.

“I am offered but give myself freely.

I am ordered but follow freely.

I am the Imperi.

This is the beginning to no end.

My loyalty is bound to you and our cause.

In words and in blood.”

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