Knowing his brother was confined somewhere within, he’d begun nightly excursions to search for him, but each time, he’d been forced to retreat at the appearance of the patrolling guards. Gradually, he’d mapped both his route and the patrol schedule of Vindrake’s sentries. He’d even discovered the perfect way to escape with his brother… a hidden portal in a bathing chamber.
Though his grandfather hadn’t been allowed to discuss his recent task for Vindrake, Markaeus strongly suspected the portal was involved. Summoned by Malphas due to his gifting in gresses, his grandfather had returned, weary and haggard. Since that day, his grandfather had given daily instructions to Markaeus about every aspect of portals, including how to recognize, open and seal them.
Markaeus had been careful and thorough in his planning, even wearing an extra cloak for his brother. His brief exploration through the portal had revealed a frozen world, covered with a thick snowy blanket. Markaeus had collected a small stash of cheese and stale bread to feed them on their journey. He had no idea how he and his brother would survive in this new realm, but at least they had a chance. In Portshire, their fate was sealed, especially as his brother’s birthingday loomed a mere seven-day away.
Though sad to leave behind the only parent he’d ever known, Markaeus knew his grandfather’s bloodbond would never allow him to escape Vindrake. In fact, the old man had been eating less and less of their daily allotment of food, claiming always to be full despite his growling stomach.
At bedtime his grandfather repeated the nightly mantra he’d given him and his brother since Markaeus could remember. More recently, however, his grandfather’s expression seemed sad and lonely as he said the words, almost as if he were saying goodbye. “Never doubt there is good in the world. Never believe all is lost. Always remember you were made for a purpose. Never forget my love for you and Haegen.”
Haegen. Markaeus hadn’t seen or spoken to his brother for a fortnight or more, since the last time Haegen and the other captives had been taken outside for exercise. Haegen had fought back tears while discussing the approaching bondmark ceremony though he spoke brave words of refusing the bloodbond. Markaeus had no hope Haegen could withstand Vindrake’s persuasions, for every citizen knew… to anger Vindrake was to invite death.
“Hold fast, Haegen,” he murmured to the earless stone walls of the dark, dank passageway. “I’ll come back on the morrow.”
*****
“Alleraen. You’re looking well. I see you’ve found a way to remain fit.” Vindrake could feel his brother’s animosity crackling in the air as he paused from his rigorous calisthenics to regard his private audience from an upside down position. Shirtless and glistening with sweat, despite the chill in the chamber, Alleraen ignored his remark, continuing to push his weight up and down while balancing in a handstand. The feat was impressive, even with his gifting in strength. “Have you considered the offer I made when last we spoke?”
Alleraen walked on his hands, his dark auburn hair dangling downward like strands of twisted rope, until he was close to the iron gate barring him within the chamber. He pivoted until he faced the bars, forcing Vindrake to stoop in order to see his face.
“I have followed a tiny slot of sunlight across my chamber four hundred and eighteen times since you visited me last. During all that time, never once has your offer crossed my mind. Though you seem determined to imprison me here until I die from advanced years, you should know your efforts will be fruitless. I have not lost my conscience and never will. I assume you still haven’t reclaimed your own.”
Alleraen’s close-lipped grimace took on a bizarre and unsettling appearance in his upturned position.
“Can you not right yourself for a few breaths?” Vindrake attempted to hide his irritation. His brother’s impertinence always ruffled his composure, try though he might to remain unperturbed. The cause is lost. Why do I continue to seek my brother’s approval and cooperation, knowing the outcome will always be the same?
Alleraen dropped his feet to the floor and flipped upright. Grasping the bars with his hands, he wedged his face between them. “Why do you keep me here alive, Drakeon? Do you divine some sadistic satisfaction from my confinement? Why not take my life and give me release from this living hell?”
“What hell? You have an easy life. You have the finest food. You have servants to attend to your needs. You have plenteous space in your quarters and neighbors with which to converse. I’ve even allowed you to venture outside on occasion.”
“Yes, I’m occasionally walked in irons like an oxen in a yoke.” Alleraen threw up his hands, pushing away from the bars. “You merely substantiate your insanity with your outrageous analysis of my imprisonment. Tell me why you’ve come so I may return to my exercises.”
“I’ve come to make peace with you… to make an entirely new offer. I’m hoping you’ll join with me out of deference, by the bond of our brotherhood.”
Alleraen’s eyes rolled as he crossed his arms over his chest. “Nothing has changed; I will not accept your bloodbond. You’ve had me tortured, and I did not relent. You tortured another before my eyes without result. It only served to confirm my opinion of your perverse nature.” Alleraen spat on the ground as the words left his lips.
“But the man had consumption; he wouldn’t have lived long at any rate. I merely put him out of his misery before he suffered too long. It was your choice that caused his torment.”
“No, Drakeon, it was your choice. I saw your face. I believe you gleaned pleasure from his screams. Nothing has changed… you haven’t changed. I will not take the oath of fealty.”
“This time, I’m not asking you to take the oath. I’m asking you to follow me by your own free will. To swear allegiance to me by your word alone. To be my second in command. To wield a bloodbond of your own.”
“You would set me free? Without your bondmark?” He stepped forward to once again press his face between the bars, incredulity written in the arch of his brows.
“Yes. All you need do is promise to obey me.”
“Very well… I promise.”
“You lie!”
He spun away. “Of course I’m lying. How could I promise to follow your commands when you’ve proven over and over again you’re aligned with evil? It consumes you. It’s eaten away at your soul until nothing human remains. Not a shred of compassion. Not a hint of love. Not a trace of empathy. I’m glad Father didn’t live to see your transformation. He would’ve hated what you’ve become with every fiber of his being.”
“Silence!” Vindrake stretched out his hand, squeezing his brother’s airway. Alleraen stood still as a carved statue, his dispassionate gaze locked with Vindrake’s as the blood vessels bulged on the side of his face. His hands were clenched in fists at his side, in an obvious effort not to clutch at his throat.
“You know nothing of Father!” Vindrake shouted. “Everything I’ve done has been for him. Everything! Water Clan has reached a pinnacle of greatness because of me.”
Vindrake dropped his hand, and Alleraen gasped for air. With a frustrated scream, he dropped to his knees, pounding his head on the floor. “Drakeon! Why won’t you simply kill me?” He looked up with tears tracking his face. “If you ever loved me, Vindrake… please, kill me now.”
Vindrake turned his back, ignoring his brother’s pleas. With lengthy strides, he escaped Alleraen’s pursuing entreaties. I can never let you die, Brother. Not when you have promised to haunt me.