The Burning Flowers

Chapter VI

Abigail Reiner hadn’t been able to get any proper sleep for the last few weeks, and that particular night wasn’t any different. After what must have been three hours of tossing and turning in her bed, she finally decided that it wasn’t worth it. The quarters Lord Cartigan had given to her were shared between all of the women, so as she pushed herself to a sitting position, she knew she had to be very quiet if she didn’t want to disturb the sleep of her friends. Their quarters consisted of three rooms, with two bedrooms and a living area directly between them. The bedroom she was currently in was shared with Album and Iris, while Jessi and Faye took the other one. For a few seconds, Abi simply sat there and watched the relaxed forms of her two friends, happy to know that at least they were able to enjoy the sweet release of sleep.

“You okay, Abigail?”

The nature mage sighed as The Angel’s voice entered her mind. The ancient being was currently safe in its canister, tucked into Album’s bag in the corner of the room. She had foolishly forgotten that it was also there with them, but not wanting anybody, not even The Angel, to worry for her, she did her best to reassure it.

Yeah, I’m okay. I just can’t sleep, so I think I’m gonna step outside and get some fresh air. Keep an eye on Album and Iris for me.

“If you say so. Be safe.”

Quietly pulling off her blankets, Abi shivered at the cold winter air against her skin as she swung her legs over the side of her bed and set her bare feet on the carpeted floor before sliding them into a pair of slippers waiting for her. She was only wearing a long nightgown, which would hardly protect her from the cold, so as she tiptoed across the room, she made sure to scoop up her coat from where it was laying beside her own belongings. She then slowly opened the bedroom door enough for her to slide through before gently closing it behind her. Grateful that she didn’t wake anybody, she crossed the living room and approached the sliding glass doors that led to a balcony, only to come to an abrupt stop upon realizing that somebody was already out there. For a moment, she debated going back to bed, not wanting to disturb the girl’s quiet time, but since she was the one of the only people Abi could properly confide in, she made the selfish decision to walk through that door anyway.

Fayela Rio glanced over her shoulder with surprise, an expression that soon shifted into understanding as Abi moved to stand beside her. “Couldn’t sleep either, huh?”

The nature mage shook her head. “Not a wink. Do you know what time it is?”

“No clue.”

The two friends laughed as they leaned their arms onto the stone railing and gazed out at the beautiful view before them. There on the fifth floor of Castle Saientia all the way in the Fifth Ring of Stellareid, it was like they could see the whole world stretching out before them. Off to her right was the Great Orientem Sea, a long stretch of black water that reflected the light of the crescent moon up above. The saltiness of its waters was carried by the wind, an ever present scent there in the City of Starlight. To her left were the great plains and rolling hills that they had passed through to get to Stellareid, and directly ahead were the many flickering lights of the city itself. They could see a part of each ring, though as they got further and lower, it became much harder to make out any details in the night. Abi’s eyes drifted upwards towards the Grand Observatory, placed in the very center of the Fifth Ring and marking the highest point of the city. It was a massive black tower that ended in a magical telescope created to gaze up into the stars themselves.

“This truly is a beautiful place,” Faye said almost to herself. “I’ve never been anywhere like it, though it’s not like I’ve really seen much of this world to begin with. How does it compare to Hiriech?”

Abigail shrugged. “Hard to say honestly. I’m a bit biased against Hiriech given all that happened there. That being said, it wasn’t floating in the sky so there is that, but I’m not so sure that’s a positive. I can’t deny I’m a little paranoid that the whole city is gonna randomly fall to the ground.”

“I know what you mean,” her friend mused with a laugh. “It’s been up here for centuries so there’s no reason for it to come crashing down now, but it is a bit hard to get comfortable with it. Not to mention, it’s so damn cold up here…” Faye shivered, pulling her own jacket tighter around her body. “Yeah, I can’t wait until summer comes back. I’m half tempted to throw up my armor just for a bit of extra warmth.”

Abi glanced sidelong at her. “So why are you out here? It might not be the warmest, but our quarters are still a bit better.”

“Yeah, I know, but…the view is calming. It helps me clear my mind, and right now, I desperately need to be at the top of my game. Though, since I have to be back at Omorossa’s circus by eight, I’m probably being stupid by not forcing myself to get some rest.”

“How did that go, by the way?” Abi inquired, having not gotten the chance to speak to Faye about the circus yet. “I know Omorossa didn’t tell you much, but do you think he knows anything to begin with? And for that matter, what exactly does Master Luz expect him to tell us?”

Faye shook her head and fixed Abi with a slightly irritated expression. “To be perfectly honest, I don’t think Master Luz expects anything at all, rather he’s just covering his bases. At the end of the day, Omorossa’s circus is a very popular attraction right now, and Lady Ella has confirmed that some higher ranking officials both in the government and among the companies have attended. If Rotana Vesh is here, there’s no way he doesn't have eyes fixated on that tent. The real question is if Omorossa actually has the means of spotting these things…and if he’ll tell us. As for whether I trust that clown…” The rock mage’s features then turned softer, and Abi realized with sudden dread what she was about to say. “He was very charismatic and charming, but that doesn’t mean he’s trustworthy so…would you be willing to come with us tomorrow morning and use your sense on him?”

Right… I should have known Faye would ask that question. My sense is invaluable when it comes to people we need to trust. If I went, I could confirm Omorossa’s purity, but…

“Abi?” Fayela must have noticed the apprehension and fear in her features, for concern crept into her tone. “What’s wrong? I mean, if it’s too early and you want your sleep, don’t feel pressured! I just—”

“No, it’s not that,” Abi quickly assured her. “I…”

Do I tell her? I mean, I haven’t told anyone about what happened with Tali Firrik and Leiolai Sartella. I’ve been scared… I know it’s stupid, but how am I supposed to tell them that the people who murdered Nigreos and Album’s mothers, and kidnapped poor Neah, are pure? These are members of the Kosah-Rei! I don’t…

But even as Abi was thinking all of this, she could clearly see in Fayela Rio’s eyes a true and unwavering trust. Their friendship was one of Abigail’s greatest treasures, for few people had her back as unconditionally as Faye did. She felt stupid and pathetic for even hesitating.

Right… Faye’s helped smuggle me to Omaruo all these years. She knows I’m pregnant and she expressed her full desire to help me. In fact, she may very well be the very person I need right now. I’m gonna tell her.

“Faye, I don’t think we can rely on my sense anymore,” she confessed, turning away to gaze back down at Stellareid. “Back in Noctalus, when Sartella and Firrik dragged me away from the others and confronted me in the park, I opened my sense and tried to get a read on them…only to find them both pure. Not evil or neutral but pure, yet that’s not possible. They’re leading members of the Kosah-Rei. They killed so many people in Noctalus, so clearly my sense is broken.”

As she rambled everything out, determined to have it all spoken before she had second thoughts, Faye listened quietly, as if somehow understanding this desire of Abi’s. It was only once the nature mage fell silent that Faye spoke.

“Has your sense ever been wrong before?”

It was a simple question. There was no judgment in her words or tone, and when Abi glanced back at her friend, she found her staring back with a furrowed brow, indicating she was fully pondering the meaning of this revelation.

“Er, not that I know of,” Abi admitted. “Everybody that ever registered as pure remained as people I could trust and rely on. Master Grunly, you, the royal team, Hiro and Jessi… The only minor anomaly has always been Rennigan’s purity, but even that one I can kinda explain. As much of a jerk as he is, he’s come through for you guys out in the real missions, and his defense of Jessi and Hiro to his father is further evidence.”

Faye reached up and toyed with her ponytail as she absently bit her lip. “Yeah, I can’t help but reluctantly agree in Rennigan’s case…but that really does make things weird. Sartella and Firrik proved how twisted they are ten minutes after you registered them, so clearly something is wrong. Is it possible you’ve misunderstood what the sense means? Like, maybe there’s another variable to it that you’ve never picked up on? After all, you said Vesh and Mallicent gave you the worst readings you’ve ever had, right, so clearly not all of the Kosah-Rei are like this.”

As Faye suggested this, another anomaly came to mind, though it was one she was prohibited from sharing with her. Leiolai learned of Neah’s condition because she was near the window when The Angel checked Neah, but she somehow managed to bypass its powerful senses. As of that point, nobody had ever gotten around The Angel, so Leiolai clearly had something up her sleeve.

Could whatever enabled her to hide from The Angel also interfere with my sense? Do she and Tali have a power we don’t know about yet?

“I’m not sure,” Abigail muttered. “Anything's possible now, but I’d be lying if I said it didn’t shake me up. I still haven’t used it on the Cartigans…because I’m afraid. It seems pointless to rely on it if someone like Sartella is pure.”

“That might be true, but I think I’d still like you to come with us,” Faye said with a smile. “If Omorossa is registered as good, I’ll take it with a grain of salt, but if he’s bad, well…that’ll tell us a lot of what we need to know.”

“I-I guess…”

“So are you willing? Like I said before, no pressure, but it would be nice to have you along since…” Her friend’s features then took on a hint of sadness as she gently placed a hand on Abi’s shoulders. “You’re not gonna be here much longer, are you?”

Abi meekly shook her head, not wanting to put it to words but also understanding what Faye was getting at. “I’m not, no. In fact, chances are good that I won’t even be leaving Stellareid. We have the realm dagger with us, so if the opportunity presents itself, I’ll have to take it. There’s only so long until my pregnancy becomes visibly and magically noticeable.”

“I had a feeling,” Faye murmured. “Then I’d really like to spend as much time with you as I can. You’re one of my best friends, Abi, so I’m going to miss you so damn much when you leave. You have my full support though! Go back to Scott, have your child, and raise a family in Wilham. Have the peaceful life you deserve, and maybe someday…when Princess Ilirianna is queen, I’ll come visit you in Omaruo.”

Abi could feel tears entering her eyes at the thought of leaving Faye behind, but she forced them back and responded, “Yeah, I’d love that. Scott’s heard plenty about you so I’m sure he’d enjoy meeting you.”

“And I’d love to meet him too!” Faye agreed. “I need to see this magicless bastard who swept you off your feet. He better be a hell of a guy or I might just be offended that you picked him over us!”

“Trust me, he’s amazing.”

They laughed together once again, Abi leaning against Faye as they turned their attention back to the view. It was little moments like these that she would long for the most when she left for Omaruo. The last few years at the Academy had plenty of trials and struggles, but as stressed as she became in the recent months, she knew that on the whole, her life in Erika had been a good one. She didn’t want to leave it behind. She didn’t want to leave her friends behind. Almost everybody who came with her to Stellareid from the Academy meant the absolute world to her, and Edwar Grunly was the father she never had. But she was now on the cusp of having a family, and she could not abandon her child.

“Hey Faye?”

“Yes?”

“Watch over Iris for me. Make sure she’s happy, and when I’m gone, let Grunly know that I truly believe she would make a wonderful Master of Nature.”

“Ah, I see.” The realization dawning on Faye was clear in her exasperated tone. “So that’s why you’ve dragged poor Mackia on this mission. You’re trying to get her a resume so you’re not leaving Master Grunly out to dry. You’re too damn considerate.”

“No, I’m not considerate enough. If I was, I’d have told Grunly the truth.”

“Be quiet with that self-deprecating nonsense. You’re doing what you must, and let’s not forget you didn’t even realize you were pregnant until we were already on the way out the door. You didn’t have a chance to talk to Master Grunly.”

Abi reluctantly admitted that Faye was right on that detail, but she didn’t say so out loud. “Well, anyway…” she began, wanting to change the subject back to its initial direction. “Sure, I’ll go with you to Omorossa’s and we’ll see what my faulty sense has to say about him.”

“Awesome. Thank you, Ab’.”

“You’re welcome, Faye.”

***

Nigreos Noctis was more than relieved that the royal team backed him up in his confrontation with his father, but at the same time, finding one person in the entirety of a Great City was not an easy feat, especially when one couldn’t fully trust the city guards. By Ilirianna’s orders, Lord Cartigan had his men scouring the city for even a hint of Neah Noctis’s location, and in one day, nothing was found. Naturally, the young dark mage knew it was unrealistic for Neah to be saved in a single day, but every day they failed to find her was another day she spent in the clutches of the Kosah-Rei. There was no telling what they might have been doing to her, and the thought of his dear little sister being tortured at their hands made him sick beyond what words could describe.

He could not accept that, so he once again found himself prepared to defy the orders of his father. Viiro Noctis no longer meant anything to him, for it had finally become undeniable that the man was the very monster The Angel had told him he was. If Viiro wanted to stand in the way of saving his little sister, then Nigreos would take a page out of Ryokumo’s book and ignore the rules. There was a way he could take matters into his own hands, though it was vehemently prohibited by the Masters and Lord Cartigan. This plan could get him exactly what he desired should it go his way, and even if the assumptions they had made were incorrect, the interaction alone could still make great strides towards saving Neah.

Rickori Keskivaara. Nigreos spoke the name of the People’s Mind in his head. Whether he’s agreed to work alongside the Kosah-Rei or not, I truly do believe Keskivaara has made contact with them. If he’s sided with the cult, then I’ll beg him to tell me what he knows about Neah. If he hasn’t, I’ll beg him to help me look. I’ll get on my hands and knees. I’ll offer him everything I could possibly give him. Whatever it takes, I will do it.

The morning they departed Noctalus, he had sworn on everything to Lunara that when he returned, Neah would be at his side, and as he recalled the pained features on her face when they last parted ways, Nigreos found his resolve strengthening.

You were right, Luna. Father never had her best interests at heart, and I just couldn’t see it. But my eyes are open now. I’m seeing clearer than I ever have in my life. I’ll ignore the wishes of those above me, and I will speak to Keskivaara myself.

Therefore, in the dead of night, when he was at most powerful, Nigreos Noctis put on his winter clothes and donned his cloak before silently making his way through the room he shared with the sleeping Ryokumo and Eko, then arrived in the living room. His magic would allow him to merge with the darkness, becoming a part of the night's shadows. With this spell, all he had to do in order to secretly leave Castle Saientia was jump off the balcony and glide down to the Third Ring where Keskivaara had his residence.

I’m sure he’s asleep, and waking him up won’t make him the most willing to hear me out, but this spell only works at night, so night is my only chance to see him.

Nigreos stalked towards the balcony, made sure his cowl was pulled low enough to hide his face, then pulled open the sliding glass door. Seconds later, he realized he had made a grave mistake in assuming that a lightless living room meant it was vacant.

“Where the hell do you think you’re going at this hour, Noctis?”

Nigreos froze just in the open doorway, his lips tightening in frustration both at himself and at the jackass behind him. Without so much as turning his head, Nigreos hissed, “None of your damn business, Glaus. Go back to bed.”

“None of my business, huh?” Rennigan snorted. “Well, perhaps you’re right, but since you’re slipping out the balcony in the middle of the night, I imagine I’d be correct in assuming what you’re doing is against the rules. I wonder what the Masters would think of this?”

Spinning furiously on his heel, Nigreos fixed Rennigan with an expression filled with rage, wanting the water mage to know he was not messing around. It took most of his self control to keep his voice quiet enough not to wake the others. “You listen here… If you utter even a word of what I’m doing to anybody, I will ensure you live to regret it. I’m not going to let you of all people get in my way.”

He couldn’t make out Rennigan’s expression due to the lack of light, but he could see the young man’s lanky silhouette rise up from the couch and turn to properly face him. “I take it you’re going in search of Neah then? What exactly do you think you’re going to accomplish out there all by your lonesome?”

Rennigan’s tone wasn’t the same disgust he typically directed towards Nigreos, rather he merely seemed to be mocking him, as if he believed these actions to be foolish and amusing. Maybe he really did intend to tell the Masters, or maybe he was just saying that to get under Nigreos’s skin. Either way, he didn’t particularly care. It would have been better to keep this trip a secret, but if Rennigan told Viiro, then Nigreos would stand his ground against his father once again. Lord Cartigan, Viiro, and Acostav could say whatever they wanted to him, but Neah’s safety took precedence over all of their wishes.

“I intend to accomplish what the idiots leading this search won’t,” Nigreos growled. “I’m going to see Keskivaara myself. I’m going to ask him for help finding Neah. He has supporters all throughout this city, so if Neah’s here, he has a much higher chance of knowing than anybody else… He’s the one Acostav should have sent you to interrogate, not a goddamn clown.”

Rennigan laughed smugly, taking a few steps forward so that his amused features were just barely illuminated enough to see. “You know what, that’s a fair point. But then do you think Keskivaara declined Vesh’s hypothetical alliance? Do you think a man like that would be willing to barter with an elite like you?”

“Why wouldn’t he?” Nigreos retorted sharply. “With my mother dead, Lunara is going to be a Lady of Noctalus once she graduates the Academy, and Album will stand beside her. Both of them want Neah safe, so I shall offer Keskivaara something he should want—the full cooperation and allegiance of the Great City of Noctalus.”

“Lord Cartigan would be furious.”

“Cartigan can kiss my ass.”

Rennigan cocked an eyebrow, as if realizing just how serious Nigreos was. Perhaps the water mage had been toying with him before, but now, it was clear that Rennigan Glaus fully understood he was not kidding even slightly.

“You’ve actually thought this through…” he muttered. “You know, this could be considered treasonous from a certain perspective. Cartigan has banned negotiation with Keskivaara, and from my understanding, so has King Markreas! You would defy a direct order from the king himself?”

Nigreos clicked his tongue. “Cartigan and Markreas cannot tell the leaders of another Great City what to do. Markreas may be the king, but he needs Noctalus’s favor, and since I’ll be speaking on Lunara’s behalf, he’ll have no choice but to overlook this.”

“Even setting Erika aside, you would ruin the diplomatic relationship between Noctalus and Stellareid.”

“So be it. Cartigan would allow my sister to die rather than negotiate with a peaceful man trying to help people,” Nigreos snapped. “All to appease his precious little Company Lords who don’t give a damn about anybody but themselves. He doesn't have my city’s interests in mind, so why should I have his? I’ll say it again, Glaus. Cartigan can kiss my ass. I’m going after my sister. Do what you want. Tell who you want. See if I give a shit.”

He was already wasting plenty of time bickering with Rennigan, so Nigreos turned back and stalked onto the balcony, drawing dark mana to his hands as he prepared to chant the necessary incantation. Once again, Rennigan stopped him from doing so, but the words he spoke this time threw Nigreos off.

“Alright then, Noctis, how about a quick little deal? I won’t tell a soul what you’re up to under the condition that you let me join you!”

Nigreos paused, furrowing his brow as he glanced over his shoulder at Rennigan, who was already pulling on his white jacket as he rushed to the doorway. “Excuse me? And why the hell do you want that? You just finished lecturing me about how illegal this is and now you want to come along?”

“You’re damn right I do,” Rennigan declared. “You think I’m just gonna sit here while you go chatting it up with the People’s Mind himself? Give me a break! Assuming Keskivaara doesn’t betray us to the Kosah-Rei, he might be a valuable asset! I’m not about to let you dominate all the spoils of bartering with him, so I want to be there!”

Nigroes shook his head with disgust, knowing he shouldn’t have expected any better of Rennigan Glaus. “I am not meeting with him for political gain! This is for Neah and Neah alone! If all you want is to help your jackass of a father improve his standing, then you can fuck right off!”

“Don’t misunderstand me!” Rennigan whispered harshly. “Perhaps I can offer Keskivaara an audience with my father as well! He might like that! I’m the son of one of the most influential members of the Council of Elders! You think I can’t bring something to table for you?”

“And why would you care?” he shot back. “I know you hate me, so why bother to help me?”

Rennigan huffed in frustration. “You’re right, I do hate you, but I have no qualms with your little sister. It’s not like I want Neah to die! I’m being serious here! Besides, I’m all worked up now, so if you leave me behind, I’m not gonna get any sleep until you return! Trust me, Noctis, and let me help you!”

For a few seconds, Nigreos stared down at Rennigan, wishing he had Abigail’s sense so that he could truly gauge how truthful he was being. He didn’t want Rennigan messing up such an important meeting, but he also couldn’t deny the added benefit of having Kloras Glaus’s son at the bargaining table. Rennigan could mess everything up or he could improve the situation—two outcomes equally as likely.

Shockingly enough, I think he’s being honest here. Perhaps it is mostly for personal gain, but he’s worried about Neah in his own way. That’s right, Abi did once tell me that he was strangely pure in the eyes of her sense. In that case, I’ll put my trust in Abigail and take the gamble. Nigreos then smirked wryly. And if he’s with me, he can’t sell me out without going down with the ship. That’s better than leaving a bitter Rennigan behind.

“Fine,” he grunted, sticking out his hand for the other man to take. “Let’s just hope you aren’t scared of heights.”

Rennigan frowned. “Scared of heights?”

“Yup.”

Grabbing a firm hold of Rennigan’s arm, Nigreos chanted his incantation, turning every part of his body save for the hand grasping Rennigan into formless shadows. Realization dawned on the water mage, but it was too late for him to back out as Nigreos lifted him from off his feet and dragged him over the side of the railing. To his credit, he didn’t cry out despite the horrified look on his face as Nigreos moved through the darkness and down towards the Third Ring of Stellareid.