Secret of the Sunstones, Part 1: The Wanton Kingdom

Chapter XVI : Confidence

Midday of Somnus, First Day of Autumnmoon

Rosa pulled up a chair and invited Cedric to join her at her long wooden table near the foot of the stairs. From end to end were dozens of old tomes and scattered pages of hastily scrawled notes, the culmination of her research. Lanterns cast dancing shadows upon the vellum pages, their light complemented by another source along the table’s edge, small stones called luminess. They emitted a dull blue glow, just bright enough to use for reading. Rosa used them quite often when additional light was needed, and even novice scholars knew how to enchant them.

She felt bad for poor Cedric. His complexion was pale, and his face a waxy mask of perspiration. She offered him a handkerchief, which he wiped across his cheeks and forehead. Once he had a few moments to relax, he sounded more like himself.

“You gave me quite a fright. I thought you were an intruder.”

Rosa thought it was funny. She couldn’t help but laugh. “Come now, you’re joking. Why would you ever think that?”

Cedric was clearly not amused. His voice was stiff and measured. “This is a high security facility. And today of all days, it’s supposed to be off limits to the general public. Especially during a lockdown. I heard noises from the lower floors. What else was I to think?”

Rosa felt embarrassed. She had cast an enchantment to silence her noise, but she should have realized the Archives’ security measures would negate her spells. It was a careless mistake. Still, something Cedric said took her by surprise.

“Lockdown? What do you mean?”

Cedric explained what he saw before arriving at the Archives, and Rosa was shocked to learn of it. The kingdom seldom used their emergency protocols, which effectively shut down the government and rounded up hundreds of people into small, confined spaces. It was used a couple of times during The War, when the military suspected a surprise attack from Kitezhian raiders. Of course, the raiders never made it to the city gates. A few times before that, strong storms and flooding prompted the kingdom to use these methods to aid in evacuation. But even those instances were rare. Certainly, not to be expected on a bright, sunny day during peacetime.

Even so, Cedric had a point. She had not done enough to protect herself against others wandering inside. Sure, the site was closed. And Jean would have covered for her by making sure the Librarian’s Guild stayed away. But Cedric had come for reasons she hadn’t anticipated, and anyone else from Richard’s staff with high enough security clearance could have done the same.

Had anyone else been on that stairwell, she supposed she could have wiped their memory and sent them back the way they came. Even against someone with magical talents, she suspected she was strong enough to flee without exposing her identity. But now, she sat face to face with someone she cared about. Someone who had caught her red handed. And she was not prepared to have to explain her presence.

Sure, Cedric had become a close confidant, but she didn’t quite trust him with knowledge of the sunstones. For his own protection, she had to convince him that she had a right to be there without divulging details. Then, hopefully, he would leave her in peace.

She changed her tone to something penitent. “I truly am sorry for startling you. I must have arrived before the lockdown took place, so I know nothing about it. But, I swear, I’m here on legitimate business.”

The Craftsman raised an eyebrow. He hardly looked convinced. “Business that couldn’t wait for Primoris, when the Archives is open? Surely, Rosa, you must know that I’m familiar with the kingdom’s policies, and I know you shouldn’t be here. If I had been from the Royal Guard, you’d be arrested by now. No matter what excuses you gave.”

Rosa didn’t have an answer ready. Cedric was right, but his timing was terrible.

He shifted in his chair, clearly growing impatient. “Rosa, please … this might sound harsh, but I’m telling you this for your own sake. Why are you really here? Is it something Bram asked you to do for him?”

Rosa cursed that she had confessed her relationship issues to Cedric a few days earlier. She had been emotionally vulnerable, and Cedric was just the friend she needed to get some things off her chest. But now, he was jumping to the wrong conclusions and scolding her for it. There had to be a way to give him a good-faith explanation without giving away any details. All she needed was something to satisfy his curiosity and convince him that she needed to bend the rules a little.

First, she needed to set the record straight. “No, Cedric, Bram did not put me up to this. I’m here of my own accord. Although, I admit it’s related to his recent mission to Minoa. Are you aware of what happened there, given your connections?”

Cedric leaned back, seemingly satisfied that she was being truthful. He shook his head. “It was a military mission, not something the kingdom would share with their Grand Craftsman. Of course, I have my sources. Prior to the king’s banquet, I overhead a Royal talking about a Gnostic they brought in on mutiny charges. I was shocked to hear Bram’s name mentioned and appalled when I heard he broke the man’s arm and was placed under arrest. I realize the info is secondhand, and it sounds crazy in light of the praises he received from Richard later in the evening, but I figure there has to be some truth to it. So I did some digging and discovered that Bram lost command of his ship and crew. That’s not the reward one gets for a job well done.”

Rosa grimaced. She didn’t realize the palace was already talking about it. It also made sense that Cedric would know if Bram left the Heron behind. With so much already out in the open, she couldn’t exactly deny the rest.

“Listen, Cedric: Bram did nothing wrong. The mutiny charge is a lie, brought by a devilish man that Richard appointed to lead the mission. His name is Virgil Garvey, and he’s the real villain. He’s the one who should have been brought up on charges.”

Cedric shook his head, wearing a look of disappointment. “My poor, sweet girl … you can’t just throw out accusations. No matter what you might have heard from Bram. There’s a chain of command, which must be followed. Take Mister Garvey, for instance. If Richard put him in charge, then he has the legal authority to decide if Bram’s behavior lives up to the standards of the Knights. Bram can’t refuse to aid a person appointed to a leadership role, just because he disagrees with his instructions. If he did, the fault lies with him. Besides, Bram shouldn’t have discussed the mission with you in the first place. You know it’s a breach of protocol.”

Rosa scoffed, nearly at a loss for words. “Bram’s been one of His Majesty’s greatest assets. He’s a war hero, and one of the best Knights in Richard’s service. Surely that should count for more than Virgil’s opinion!”

The Craftsman leaned forward, hands clasped. He took a deep breath. “As you said, Bram’s record of service is impeccable. Most charged with mutiny end up behind bars, so it’s clear that Bram’s achievements counted for something. Even so, you must realize that the king’s authority requires that he make an example of those who challenge him. If you want to know what I think: I bet you Bram and he cut a deal. In return for expunging the record, Bram agreed to do some form of penance, probably the mission he left on this morning. And if I’m right, we should all hope he succeeds … of his own accord. You shouldn’t be risking your own wellbeing, doing the work for him.”

Rosa blinked. She couldn’t believe the nonsense she was hearing. “You’re presuming quite a lot, Cedric. Besides, the charge was frivolous. If you knew what Virgil did in Minoa, you’d admit that Bram did the right thing.”

Cedric opened his mouth as if to argue, then closed it. “Very well, then. Go ahead and tell me. What did he do to deserve insubordination?”

Rosa bit her tongue. She had walked into a trap of her own making, and now she owed him an explanation. Of course, going down this path meant there was no turning back. If she withheld any details, Cedric’s skepticism would grow, and she’d never win him over. So she told all, including the terribly violent acts Virgil performed with his mind-control magic.

“There you have it,” she concluded. “He’s a war criminal, and his conduct was despicable. Outrageous, really, that King Richard still supports him.”

“I see.” Cedric still sat with arms crossed, but now he wore a smug grin. “Then you admit it. King Richard supports the chancellor’s methods.”

“Cedric!” Rosa felt flustered that a good, kindhearted man would side with the villain. “We’re talking about cold-blooded murder. To innocent men and women, no less!”

He looked at her pleadingly. “I don’t mean to be flippant, Rosa, but you must understand how things work in real life. Whether you or I find it morally despicable is beside the point. If the king sanctioned it, and Bram challenged his decision, it explains why he’s out in the field without an airship. The king’s rule is absolute. You know that.”

Rosa feared the Craftsman was beyond reasoning. If the king’s rule was absolute, then nothing stood in the way of him being a tyrant, either. She had to believe that Cedric knew in his heart that Richard had crossed a line, but it seemed his confidence in his kingdom was just too entrenched.

Although, perhaps the problem wasn’t Cedric’s moral compass, but rather that he lacked the knowledge to fully appreciate the stakes. Murder was already a reprehensible crime, but if he needed more, surely he’d understand the threat of a weaponized sunstone that could topple entire empires! She was loath to give away the last of her secrets, but if it meant getting her friend on board, she had to try.

Her voice was somber. “Listen, Cedric. I haven’t told you everything. But, please, before I do, may I have your word that you’ll keep my confidence?”

He seemed to be at a loss for words. He practically sputtered a response. “Wh-what then? What haven’t you told me?”

“Please, Cedric. Swear.”

“A-all right, then. I swear to keep your confidence.”

Rosa nodded. It would have to be enough. “The reason why Richard supports Mister Garvey is because of a secret he learned that will change the world as we know it. Virgil discovered a way to turn the sunstones into powerful weapons that grant unfathomable destructive magic, even to an untrained layman.”

Cedric leaned back, looking perplexed. “Sunstones? Like the old religious artifacts? I don’t follow.”

The sorceress tried to explain. “Just listen. First, you must disavow anything you’ve ever heard about the sunstones. They are not mere relics, but rather an existential threat in the wrong hands. Just one of these stones can give a layman the power to destroy entire armies. What’s more, the knowledge of how to use the sunstones was likely discovered right here, in the Archives.” She pointed at her table of books for emphasis. “That’s the core of my research. I must understand the extent of their powers, and hopefully, how to stop them.”

Cedric looked pensive, as if he were deeply considering.

“Well?” she probed. “Do you understand now why I came?”

He blew out a long, pent-up breath. “It’s … a lot to take in.” His eyes wandered, as if calculating something in his head. “Although, if what you say is true, why take on this research yourself? Why not let someone else deal with it, or at least wait until tomorrow, so you’re not committing a crime in the process?”

Rosa felt her body radiate heat. “Were you not listening to a word I said? Richard has an unfathomably powerful weapon in his hands, and he’ll no doubt use it in pursuit of the other sunstones. We need to know what we’re up against before he starts a new war with Koba and Kitezh to seize theirs.”

Cedric’s eyes bulged. “Rosa, mind what you say! You’ve gone too far this time.”

“Cedric, listen—"

“No, you listen!” he glared. “There are people in this kingdom who would throw you in prison for merely uttering such words. No one slanders the king, not even to theorize or suppose. If you’re charged with treason, not even your father could intervene.”

Rosa felt chills, but not due to Cedric’s warning. Rather, she recalled his claim that the king’s rule was absolute. Apparently, so was Cedric’s confidence in him. Even if it meant forsaking his own morals. The question was no longer whether Rosa could win him over, but now whether she could end the conversation without him turning against her.

She changed her posture and leaned forward. “Remember your promise, Cedric. No one else knows what I’ve told you. You needn’t worry, either, since I have no interest in defying the king. However, I’ll do what I must to defend our country and its people.”

“I see …” he trailed off, never taking his eyes off her. His skepticism slowly transformed into genuine concern. “My dear, please think this through. Richard is a wise ruler, and he’s never led Angkor astray. Perhaps you should give him more credit. Even if the sunstones are as dangerous as you say, perhaps he is right to bring them under Angkor’s protection. After all, if the Minoans intended to use theirs against us, would that not have justified the deadly force we used to remove it from them?”

Rosa shook her head. “No, Cedric. The Minoans weren’t dangerous, and I can prove it. Look here.”

She reached across the table and pointed to one of the open books. “It says the Gaian Priests have watched over the sunstone of Minoa for hundreds of years. They believe it to be a duty bestowed upon them by the Goddess.”

The Craftsman shrugged. “I don’t see what Gaia has to do with this. It’s been centuries since anyone in Angkor worshipped Her.”

Rosa groaned inside, wishing Cedric would give her the benefit of the doubt just once. “I’m merely pointing out that the Gaian Priests—who still practice their faith—would also be bound by its dogma. This book tells us that they were protecting the sunstone. And that they had it in their possession for a very long time. It was never used against anyone, but Virgil murdered them to obtain it … without thinking twice! Picture it, Cedric: a bunch of defenseless priests. Richard sanctioned their murder, and that makes him complicit.”

Cedric was utterly unimpressed. “Well, I have no way of knowing His Majesty’s reasons, but whatever they are, it’s not for us to question. When you’ve lived as long as I have, my dear, you learn that we’re just not meant to challenge the kingdom’s authority. We should leave politics to the politicians and focus on our own lives. You know what? I can make all of this go away, if you let me. Come with me to the palace, and I’ll speak on your behalf. You’ll be able to put all of this behind you.”

Her heart sank. “I can't believe this. You'd turn me in?”

His eyes grew mournful. “Not for punishment, my dear. I'll be right at your side, insisting that you receive no more than a slap on the wrist. You must understand … if I say nothing … my whole career is at stake!”

Rosa was heartbroken. “There's far more than your career at stake if what I suspect is true. The whole future of this kingdom depends on what Virgil and Richard intend to do with the sunstones. I must complete this research, or there's no telling what we're up against.”

Cedric stood firm. “I've heard what you told me, Rosa, but I still think you're overreacting. All your suppositions about the sunstones have to do with what you heard from Bram. But isn't it possible that he's wrong? All I ask is that you don't make a mistake that you'll regret for the rest of your life.”

Rosa felt her resolve harden. As much as she cared for Cedric, the stakes were too high. “It's like you haven't listened to a word I said. Go if you must. Just know that I won't stop, even if they send the Royal Guard after me.”

Cedric's eyes bulged. “Have you lost your mind? If you show defiance, they won't just send the Royals. You'll also have every scholar in kingdom against you. You'd be an outlaw. They'd label you a … a .. a rogue scholar! No matter how you feel about Bram's innocence, you'll never have a normal life again. They'll never stop before you're dead or behind bars!”

Rosa could tell Cedric was grief-stricken. Even her own heart was breaking, but she had to make it clear and leave no room for doubt. “Don't test my convictions, Cedric. There's more to this than just Bram's innocence. The sunstones could lead to all-out war and be weapons of mass destruction. Knowing this, I can't be swayed. The choice is now yours.”

Cedric hung his head. His voice was listless. “Very well. You've made yourself quite clear. I can't bring myself to go to the authorities, knowing what will come of it. But that doesn't mean we see eye to eye. Make no mistake: this is the last portion of goodwill you'll see from me. For your sake, I hope you find what you're looking for and leave, or else have the good sense to let it go.”

Cedric rose from his chair and adjusted his waistcoat. “I came for some documents. Then I'll be on my way.”

Rosa slumped in her chair as he wandered into the maze of books. The Craftsman had been good to her. She wished she could have found a better resolution.

When he returned with an armful of scrolls, she gave him a peace offering. “Please, take this.”

In her hand was a piece of luminess from the table. She placed it in his breast pocket. “It'll help light your way. I don't want there to be any hard feelings between us.”

He turned his back to her. “After manipulating me to go against my better judgment, I think it'd be best if we kept our distance from now on.”

Rosa's chest ached, and a knot appeared in her throat. She reached out, but her fingers only grazed the Craftman's shoulder before he stormed off. In mere moments, he was up the stairs and gone from sight.

A tear slid down her cheek. She felt awful. Her dear Cedric had gone from friend to stranger in the blink of an eye. But she couldn't stand there dwelling on it. She had work to do, and there would be plenty of time for grief or regrets later.