Invasion and Dragons Page 2

  Darrin stopped within a few steps of Landon’s outstretched feet, close enough to loom over them but far enough that Landon couldn’t kick him. His dark eyes studied the two Nircanians, his cool, calculating gaze slipping between Landon and Myra. In that moment, Landon realized the samurai didn’t suspect his feelings for Myra—He knew. He knew and was intending to use that information to his advantage.

  Landon felt his stomach twist with fear. He met Darrin’s cold gaze, steeling his face to hide his growing dread. “What do you want, Darrin?” he asked, annoyed.

  Darrin raised an eyebrow. “Good morning to you too, Dayn.”

  “Exactly, it’s still morning. I thought I wasn’t going to see you until another hour or so. What do you want?”

  Landon expected Darrin to scowl, or show some sign of annoyance, but the Samurai Master continued to smirk. “I wish to have a private word with you before the council. Besides, the afternoon meal will be served early, in about a half hour. We have a lot to cover before the sun sets.”

  “Whatever you want to say to me, just say it,” said Landon, glancing at Myra. “Myra and Morgan—Juan too—are going to find out anyways. I prefer my friends to know what they’re up against before they encounter a devious slug like you.”

  Landon was hoping that would shake Darrin’s demeanor, but again the Samurai Master wasn’t fazed. “I am aware of that fact all too well,” he said patiently. “After the council you may tell anyone you please what I discussed, but first I wish to speak to you in private. Come, please.” He shifted his body, half turning it away as though inviting him for a stroll.

  Landon glared at him. “If it’s all the same, I’d rather have lunch with my friends than with your lot.”

  This earned a reaction. Darrin’s eyes flashed menacingly. For a moment, Landon saw the irritation that every Samurai Master reserved for the young Nircanians, and then Darrin was calm and composed once more. “You will accompany me to a more secluded area, where I will inform you of some important matters, and then you will dine with the kings and advisors just like your parents will. The king and I have . . . obliged you and your parents to avoid the banquets, but you will not miss this one. It is just as important as the meeting itself. Now come, Dayn, or I will have you forcefully escorted. Your choice.”

  “I’m pretty sure shoving me somewhere I don’t want to go is against the doctor’s orders. He told me to walk, not go sprinting to entertain nobles.”

  The corner of Darrin’s mouth quirked, and he withdrew a hand from inside his sleeve. Both Landon and Myra stiffened, but the hand was devoid of any weapon. Darrin made a quick gesture as though signaling a servant.

  The garden door banged open once more, and Landon’s next least favorite Samurai Masters came strolling towards them. Sairen and Takeshi were dressed in light armor, their hands resting on their katanas. They sported wide grins on their faces, eager to display their strength.

  “Seriously?” Myra whined, glaring at the approaching samurai.

  “I hate you,” Landon said furiously to Darrin as he climbed to his feet. No matter how much he detested attending this council, he was not going to be dragged there like a prisoner.

  “Due to present circumstances, your feelings are irrelevant to me.” Darrin turned, the hem of his kymono billowing around his feet, and strode towards the door. Landon followed, shooting a long-suffering glance at Myra. She scowled at Darrin’s back, and Landon knew she wished for an object to throw at the Samurai Master’s head.

  Darrin walked briskly, and Landon feinted stumbling after him, slightly bent, as if his stomach was bothering him. Darrin glanced over his shoulder, saw Landon struggling, and slowed his pace. Sairen and Takeshi fell into step on either side of him.

  They left the garden, with Takeshi shutting the door, and turned down the hall. Landon expected the two samurai to turn down a different corridor and leave him and Darrin alone, but they stayed by his side. There was a spring in their step, and their dark eyes kept glancing at Landon, as though waiting for a response to their presence.

  At first, Landon was going to ignore them, but Darrin hadn’t said a word after five minutes of walking. “So we can talk in front of your minions, but not in front of Myra?” he blurted. “Typical.”

  “We are to ensure no one bothers you as we cross the great hall, Dayn,” Takeshi replied. “Once you and Master Foran are in one of the lesser traveled halls, we will be on our way.”

  “I can’t wait to see the back of your head,” Landon replied. “And it’s Durn-Dayn, mister. Get it right.”

  “Oh? Have your parents intermarried with your guardians?” Sairen asked, smirking. “I thought Nircanians despised polygamy.”

  Landon wanted to hit the man, but Sairen was wearing a breastplate. Convenient. “The Durns raised me, Sairen,” he growled. “They’re as much my parents as Diego and Sierra, so it’s Durn-Dayn, not just Dayn.”

  “I do not care about the technicalities of your surname, Dayn.”

  “And I don’t care about the technicalities of your face, samurai.”

  “Landon, mind your tongue,” Darrin said firmly. “I do not have the patience for this kind of behavior today.”

  “Same here! So why don’t we compromise. You go to the council, and I go take a nap?”

  This earned him a snort from Takeshi. Sairen rolled his eyes, and Landon heard Darrin mumble something in Sikhan—the noble’s tongue—under his breath. Landon knew the samurai was wondering why he always ended up dealing with him, and he wondered the same thing.

  The samurai took him through the entrance hall. Although Landon often passed through the hall, he was always stunned by its grandeur. Sunlight poured in through the windows and open door, making the marbled floor and staircase glow. The ceiling rose three stories high, richly decorated with tapestries and ornate candelabras. Takeshi nudged Landon when he faltered, blinking in the dazzling sun, and they entered a side corridor.

  The hallway was as grand and bright as the entrance hall. Landon remembered the Tsuregan palace being overwhelming, but now it drowned him. There was so much finery, so much gold, and so many jewel-encrusted things that it was nauseating. He missed the simple, homey lifestyle of Nircana.

  They had gone halfway down a corridor when Darrin stopped and turned to face them. “Thank you, Ichiro. Hiro,” he said, bowing first to Sairen then to Takeshi. “You are still willing to make sure no one enters this corridor until we are finished?”

  “Of course, Darrin,” said Takeshi, bowing in return. Sairen bowed as well and they separated. Takeshi went back the way they had come, and Sairen went further to the next split in the corridor. Both turned the corners and disappeared. Landon listened as their footsteps quieted and then stopped, close enough to respond to a shout but far enough to give Darrin the private conversation he wanted.

  “So we’re going to just stand here and talk?” Landon asked, looking around. He had expected a chair or bench, but the only furnitures were small tables bearing vases or statuettes.

  “There is a room nearby if you need to sit and rest,” Darrin replied. He scrutinized Landon, taking in his thin, pale face as if he were examining a horse to buy.

  Landon shifted in discomfort. “I’m all right,” he said. “Stop staring at me.”

  “It cannot be helped, Landon. You have lost a lot of weight,” Darrin said, his voice quiet. “Your father told me it has taken you over six months to recover, but I was not expecting you to still be this thin.”

  “Well, if it bothers you,” Landon shot back, “how about I skip out on this meeting and go eat a cow. Maybe I’ll fatten up so you can stick me along with my parents.” He folded his arms and leaned against the wall, glaring at Darrin. He kept his body slightly bent as if his stomach was still bothering him.

  “Is that what you believe?” Darrin asked, so calmly it infuriated Landon. He had his hands back in his sleeves, once again looking regal.

  “Of course it is! You weren’t imprisoned and tortured by the sa
me people you’re expected to sit with for who knows how long.”

  Darrin nodded, unperturbed by Landon’s anger. “Both your parents are concerned how you will handle the meeting, but I think you will be fine. You survived a Twin’s Revenge, your body has recovered well, and you appear mentally stable despite your nightmares.” Landon stiffened, startled that Darrin would know about that. “You are not as traumatized as your family thinks. I believe they are sheltering you out of paranoia.”

  “Paranoia?” Landon retorted acidly. “My parents went through hell, Darrin. All of them. Just to keep me safe from people like Sayre and Kennin. And now you want us to sit in the same room as them and talk peace?” He shuddered involuntarily. “They tortured your ambassadors for years, and I almost died. They should be thrown in prison!”

  Darrin took a deep breath, choosing his words. “Believe me, Landon, I would like nothing more than to bring them to justice, but there is nothing I, nor King Katsunaka, can do without starting a war.”

  Landon snorted. “Yes there is. You’re just too greedy to do anything about it.” He met Darrin’s eyes and struggled to keep from shouting. “You want the Wizard’s Seal just as much as them. Don’t deny it, Darrin. I know you read about it in a scroll, saw my father’s sword, and then blackmailed my parents into becoming ambassadors. This whole mess started because you wanted the Seal too.”

  Landon expected a retaliation or clever excuse, but Darrin gave no visible response. Instead, he moved closer to Landon, his eyes steady and intent. Landon resisted the urge to shove him away.

  Darrin’s voice was soft and venomous. “Yes, I did learn of the Seal in a scroll, and I coerced your parents into becoming Tsuregi’s ambassadors. I did so because I felt the Wizard’s Seal would be safer here than in a country sharing a border with Menyre. Our spies learned of Sayre’s abilities a year after she saw your father’s sword. I did what I thought was best for the world.”

  Landon rolled his eyes but didn’t interrupt.

  “I will not lie to you, Landon,” Darrin continued. “Your father and I are not friends and never were. He was professional and courteous when required but otherwise ignored me altogether. Since his and Sierra’s imprisonment he has not regarded me with any degree of kindness but blatant dislike, maybe even hate. I believe he blames me for your capture.” He paused, waiting for Landon to comment.

  At first, Landon wasn’t going to say anything, but then he decided otherwise. “So you and Dad aren’t fishing buddies, but why are you talking to me and not them? Get to your point, noble.” Landon knew he was being rude and he didn’t care.

  Darrin’s eyes flashed with warning. “My point? Do you not see it, Landon? I need your cooperation. Everyone is on edge, ready to turn on each other and rip their throats out. I know you do not trust the samurai, and want nothing more than to return to Nircana and pretend this is not happening, but you cannot do that. As much as we cannot be friends, please know that I am certainly not your enemy.”

  Landon snorted. “Enemy? You manipulated me and my parents—including my adopted parents—at different times for different reasons. You only told me about my lineage because there was no other choice, but you would’ve been happy for me to carry on in ignorance. You tried to kidnap me when I was too weak to move, and when that didn’t work, you sent your lackeys to drag me to Tsuregi. I know you told them to set a fast pace so I’d be too weak to escape. And you’re claiming you’re not my enemy?” Landon gave Darrin a scathing look. “All I see is a man racing against his rival to obtain the same prize: Three Dayns and the Wizard’s Seal under one roof.”

  “I wish to keep everyone safe,” Darrin said, his voice hard and cold. “Sayre wants power and is willing to start a war to obtain it, whereas Katsunaka and I want peace. If we can reach a viable treaty without the use of violence then all the better. I would like to keep your family together, Landon, including the Durns. Gods, I want you to marry whomever you desire!”

  Darrin’s words were like a punch in the gut. It took Landon a moment to draw breath. “What are you saying?” he growled, clenching his fists.

  “You do a good job of hiding your feelings towards Myra, Landon, but I know you, and I know her. You attacked your fellow trainees last summer because they were speaking crudely of her, remember? You may not have understood those feelings at the time, but I knew you loved Myra Higgins.”

  “You leave Myra out of this or so help me—”

  “I am doing what I can, Landon,” Darrin interrupted, spreading his hands. “I wish I could leave her out of the situation, for her safety. However, you must know that marriage is a powerful bond, especially between countries. You are young and . . .” his gaze swept over Landon’s body once more, analyzing his physique, “in good health. There are those attending this council, the Drakshus most of all, who will use that to their advantage. If you wish to marry whomever you please, I am going to need your cooperation.”

  Landon wanted to scream. “How is my cooperation going to help with that?” he asked, furious. “No one’s going to be satisfied unless they have one of us and that stupid lump of metal. And if they somehow get me or my parents, then whoop-de-dah, the prize stag is caught.”

  “That lump of metal is the key to your freedom, Landon Dayn,” Darrin snapped. “I do not care where the Seal ends up, but I do care where you and your parents are. Word of the Seal is spreading faster than I expected, and people are beginning to panic. The Lythran king has already had to deal with riots, and Maisa is on the verge of a civil war. My people are more terrified now than when the Borikans were scouring the earth to find you. The king and I must do everything in our power to ensure peace among the nations, and keep your family together. Your cooperation will make that happen.”

  “That sounds like two contradictory goals, Darrin,” Landon accused, rage seething inside him. “Keep my family together but make peace with the other power-hungry wolves fighting over us. What if peace means killing me and my parents? Or handing us over to her?” A sharp, harsh laugh escaped him. “I think I had more luck with Angen. At least I knew what to expect from him, cooperation or no.”

  Darrin’s jaw tightened, and his hands trembled beneath his sleeves. “So you are going to be problematic?” Darrin asked quietly.

  Landon looked him in the eye. “Yes. You don’t deserve my cooperation, samurai.” He then yawned and stretched. “Are we done? I think I want to sit in one of these rooms for a moment before you throw me to the wolves.”

  Darrin opened his mouth to respond, his eyes burning with anger, but Takeshi appeared around the corner. He strode to Darrin, his legs flashing with haste. His face wore a mask of calm, but Landon could see panic threatening to spill out of his eyes. Takeshi spared Landon a brief, nervous glance and then addressed Darrin.

  “Hajimatha,” he said, leaping right into the nobility’s tongue. He continued in Sikhan, Darrin’s face growing stonier with every word.

  For the first time, Landon wished he knew enough of the language to follow along. He caught kosakuln several times—which meant peasant—but that could mean anything, from a Tsuregan merchant to a Nircanian.

  “Bad news?” Landon asked after a few minutes. “Are we cancelling the council?”

  Both samurai stopped and looked at Landon, surprised he was standing there. They stared at him for a confused second, and then Darrin collected himself. “It is nothing unexpected, just a problem we foresaw a month ago,” he replied, melting into his calm demeanor.

  “What sort of problem?”

  “The sort that is a result of every man, woman, and child knowing of the Wizard’s Seal on this continent,” Darrin replied flatly. “It does not concern you at the moment, but I do need to make some immediate arrangements. Ichiro!”

  Sairen appeared around the corner, striding towards them as swiftly as Takeshi. He had the same barely controlled panic as Takeshi, and his lips pressed into a thin line when he glanced at Landon. Apprehension rolled off the man in waves, and Landon felt a f
lutter of fear in the pit of his stomach.

  “What’s going on?” he asked, rounding on Darrin. “What aren’t you telling me?”

  Darrin ignored him and spoke to Sairen. “Escort Landon to the council. If the king is there, then let him know I will be there shortly. I am making the necessary arrangements we discussed.”

  Sairen nodded and moved to grab Landon’s arm, but he dodged out of the way. “For angels’ sake, I’m not your prisoner!” Landon shouted.

  “Then start walking!” Sairen snarled, reaching for Landon’s arm again. Landon snarled a curse at the man and started moving. He cast a last glance at Darrin, but he and Takeshi were already rounding the corner, deep in conversation.

  “You know, a little politeness wouldn’t kill you for once,” Landon commented, as Sairen fell into step beside him.

  Sairen rolled his eyes and took the lead, walking briskly. Landon kept up, putting on a show of discomfort and an occasional request to slow down. Sairen ignored him. He took him down two more corridors, before turning left into a hallway covered in tapestries. Sliding doors were set in the walls, but Sairen made a straight line for a door halfway down. Landon expected guards, since the most important men in the known world were gathered in one room.

  “No guards to make sure we all play along nicely?” Landon asked, eyeing the door as Sairen laid a hand on the handle indentation. He could hear unfamiliar voices beyond the thin wood. Landon resisted the urge to strain his hearing for the Drakshus. They had to be in there by now.

  Sairen paused and turned to face Landon. He glared at him as though he was the devil behind everything wrong in the world. The look was so full of hate that Landon was taken aback.

  “Sairen,” Landon whispered, “what happened?”