The Burning Flowers

Chapter IV

The morning following their arrival in Hiriech, Ilirianna Iiji summoned all four members of the royal team to her quarters where both the princess, as well as the Master of Fire, awaited them. From there, Abi, Album, and Nigreos took their seats on the couch across from the two armchairs that Nakoma and Ilirianna occupied, while Ryokumo remained standing. Nigreos hadn’t been sure what to expect, for he had doubted that they would have gained any new information in the short time between the previous night’s banquet and the early hour of that morning, so he was rather surprised when Ilirianna informed them that Ryokumo had already managed to gather some very useful intel from Aeyir Malloway.

At her request, the wind mage went on to describe to them how withdrawn Mallicent had become in recent days, explaining how he spent all of his time locked up in his bedroom or working on a secret research project down in the basement laboratory. Finally, he also revealed to them that he was able to learn that Mallicent did, in fact, have a fire affinity, which matched up with Nakoma’s explanation of how the combustions worked.

“And there you have it,” Ryokumo finished with a prideful grin. “I’m not exactly sure how we can best use this information, but I thought it would be smart to ensure we’re all on the same page.”

“And you’re certain that Aeyir was telling the truth?” Nakoma instantly demanded, clearly seeming a bit uncertain about Ryokumo’s account. “It just seems too easy, after all. It is possible he knows more than he’s letting on, you know?”

But Ryokumo simply shrugged. “Yes, it’s possible, but I doubt it. I’d be dead by now if I wasn’t as good of a judge character as I am, and I can confidently say that Aeyir was being perfectly genuine. Combine that with Abi’s trustful reading of him and I’m prone to believe he was telling the truth.”

“Is that so?” Nakoma narrowed his eyes in consideration before sighing. “Well, regardless, if you can retain the boy’s trust, then I would urge you to keep trying to coerce information out of him. Since we can’t just ask Lord Malloway or Captain Vesh about these combustions directly, working with Aeyir might just be our best option. Whether he’s hiding things or not, if you keep interacting with him, we’ll learn the truth eventually.”

“Of course, Master Taurus. I will do that.” Giving Nakoma his affirmative, Ryokumo then glanced between all of those gathered with an inquisitive look. “That being said, I’m curious to know what we should do from here. Did either of you know anything about this research project before now? Has Malloway ever mentioned it?”

He directed those questions at Nakoma and Ilirianna, but based on the expressions on their faces, Nigreos could easily guess the answer.

“No, this is the first I’m hearing of it,” the princess told them. “But that’s not really grounds for suspicion. At the end of the day, while the Great Cities are under the control of the Citadel, they are also far more independent than many outside of the government realize. Not only is it not unsurprising that Lord Malloway is conducting research without telling us, but it’s also expected. Ijirian law only dictates that the Cities share the results of their research, but they have plenty of freedom when it comes to the process itself. After all, there are far too many projects taking place for us to monitor them all.”

Nakoma nodded his agreement. “Which means that even knowing that a project is taking place down there, we cannot force Malloway to tell us anything. In fact, doing so would only serve to make him suspicious of us. Now, it would be a different story if we somehow learned that they already had results and haven’t shared them, but unless that happens, our hands are tied.”

Nigreos internally grimaced, having already been perfectly aware of the Ijirian research laws. He could think of plenty of different studies that took place at Noctalus that his mother hadn’t felt obligated to share with Citadel until after they had been completed. In fact, she had always urged her children to keep their cards close to their chest whenever they were able to, and to only make reports to the Citadel when the law explicitly demanded it. When Nigreos was younger, he was always confused by this, for it seemed underhanded and dishonorable to conceal information that might prove useful to the government, but when he had inquired such a thing, his mother’s answer had stuck with him even to this very day.

“I understand why you might feel like that, Son, but you must remember that even though the Great Cities are, by law, under the jurisdiction of the Citadel and a part of the Ijirian Empire, we are not obligated to bend over backwards to satisfy them. Noctalus, and all of the Great Cities, are conquered territories—capitals of once-great nations that could not withstand Ijirian might. That is something we must never forget, nor will the Lords and Ladies of the other Cities. The nation of Nocta may have fallen centuries ago, but as members of the Noctis family, their blood runs through your veins. Therefore, while we are loyal to Ijiria, we will be loyal to Noctalus first. Do you understand what I mean, Nigreos?”

The dark mage internally sighed. Yes, the Great Cities only obey the Citadel when they are forced to, and what Mother said to me that day will apply to Lord Malloway and Hiriech. We have no right to force Lord Malloway to tell us anything in regards to the city’s research, and that rule is what’s going to get in our way.

“So then…there’s no way we could investigate the lab?” Abi asked softly, pulling Nigreos out of his thoughts and back to the present discussion. “I mean, it almost seems too coincidental that Mallicent’s involved in some secret project right as these combustions are taking place. It feels like it has to be related somehow, right?”

“I mean, I don’t disagree, “ Ilirianna admitted with a conflicted expression, “but at the end of the day, it’s just not an option. Asking Lord Malloway about it would only reveal that Aeyir told us anything, which could jeopardize his trust in Caeli. And sneaking in would be impossible. If it’s as confidential as the boy made it seem then there will certainly be security in place that will take more than mere distortion magic to bypass.”

“But then if we can’t break into the lab, why not try to gain access to Mallicent’s bedroom?” Ryokumo suggested. “Aeyir said he spends a lot of time up there, so I find it unlikely that there wouldn’t be any clues relating to this project somewhere inside, and I doubt his sleeping quarters would be as heavily secure as the laboratories.”

“You aren’t incorrect, Caeli,” Nakoma grunted, “but even if the chance of being caught is much lower than trying to infiltrate the lab, the risk is still too great. If we were caught sneaking into that boy’s bedroom—”

“Yes, yes, it would be disastrous,” Ryokumo interrupted with a grimace. “I understand that, Master Taurus. It’s been made more than clear that this is a delicate situation, but if we aren’t willing to take some risks then what’s the point of being here in the first place? We have a lead, so shouldn’t we pursue it?”

Nigreos couldn’t help but internally cringe not only at the fact that Ryokumo was so bold as to talk over a Master of Ijiria, but also at the slightly frustrated attitude that creeped into his voice. The anger on Nakoma’s face was clear, as was the awkward silence that fell over Abi and Album as they sat anxiously beside Nigreos.

“Watch your tongue, boy,” Nakoma growled, slowly rising to his feet to stand on an even footing with Ryokumo. “Do not forget who you’re speaking to and you must certainly not forget King Markreas’s orders. We are only here to observe and breaking into Mallicent’s quarters would defy those orders. Do you understand?”

Despite the obvious regret crossing Ryokumo’s features as he realized that he’d overstepped his grounds, he still didn’t back down, facing Nakoma with that same confidence he always displayed.

“Of course, Master,” he said. “I understand perfectly what the king intends for us to do here, but I also think that Abi’s sense has drastically altered our situation. Did she report to you what she felt last night after the banquet? About the rest of the castle guard?”

Ryokumo took a step forward, his tone growing firmer as he went on, and Nigreos could see the confused expressions on the faces of both Ilirianna and Nakoma. Of course, Nigreos knew exactly what Ryokumo was referencing, as did Album, for Abi had fearfully reported something crucial to them on the way back from dinner the previous night.

“Abigail, what is he referencing?” Ilirianna asked, turning a concerned stare toward the uncomfortable nature mage, who was absently fiddling with the flower crown in her hair.

“Oh, um, well I planned to make the report once Ryokumo had finished talking, but…” Abi hesitated, but given the nature of her information, she still pressed on regardless. “I did as you asked yesterday and opened my sense to every single person that I passed or had any close contact with and, well…let’s just say that this situation may be more dire than we believed. You see…” She took a deep breath. “I would estimate that nine out of every ten guards I sensed gave me the same revolting feeling as Vesh and Mallicent.”

Ilirianna’s eyes went wide as the gears immediately began turning in her head. “Nine out of ten?” she breathed. “You’re certain? You’re absolutely certain?”

“I am,” Abi confirmed. “Most of the guards don’t wear helmets here, so I was able to make sure I wasn’t counting anybody twice. Obviously I can’t distinguish between individuals wrapped up in the plot and just your average jerks, but…I’ve never seen this many negative readings concentrated in one place before. Like I said earlier, there’s no way this is all coincidental. Something bad is going on in this castle.”

Even though he already knew, Nigreos felt his stomach churn at the thought that the majority of the Aquesen guard could be their enemies. With Abi’s readings, it became possible that if Rotana Vesh was involved in the combustions then he might be using the guard as a personal army, and that was a terrifying thought. It would mean that he was not only well defended, but that if anybody caught wind that they were secretly investigating the castle, they might actually be unable to fight their way out.

As Ilirianna pressed her hand to her face and took in what she had just learned, Ryokumo was swift in turning back to Nakoma.

“Do you see now where I’m coming from, Master Taurus? We know that both Mallicent and Captain Vesh, as well as the whole damn guard, might very well be involved in this conspiracy, and with Aeyir’s account, we have gained a solid lead in less than twenty-four hours after our arrival. We have already observed, and our observations have revealed a far more dangerous situation than we expected, so I think we should at least take some risks before more people lose their lives.”

But despite clearly being somewhat unnerved by Abi’s report, Nakoma still held his ground. “We are not basing our actions off of Abigail’s supposed sense—a sense that may or may not be real!” he snapped back, and when it was clear that Ryokumo was about to jump to Abi’s defense, the Master of Fire pressed on. “Perhaps the fact that you are foreign has given you a lacking understanding of the political environment of this country, but the Great Cities are far from a united people. Most would sooner identify with their city than with Ijiria as a whole, and the peace and cooperation between us only exists due to a mutually understood set of rules and regulations, of which our investigation is breaking plenty of. If we are caught—”

“Yes, then Hiriech will hate us, I know!” Ryokumo stated. “I’m perfectly aware, but people are dying, Master Taurus and—”

“Alright, enough!”

Cutting into the argument with an annoyed tone, Ilirianna snapped out of her thoughts and shut the interaction down, her voice causing both of them to go quiet. The awkwardness Nigreos felt got even more intense, and part of him wished he could have just gotten up and departed the room that very second. He was grateful Abi and Album were there with him, and when he glanced at them, he found the two girls staring down at the carpet, as if trying not to draw any attention to them.

Ilirianna sighed, getting to her feet as well and motioning for Nakoma to sit. “Thank you, Master Taurus, but I will take it from here.”

Despite his anger, Nakoma bowed and did as he was told, leaving the floor open for Ilirianna to face Ryokumo with a neutral and unreadable expression.

“Caeli, I perfectly understand where you’re coming from, but speak to a Master with such disrespect again and you will be removed from this team without hesitation. Understood?”

Nigreos could tell his friend was angry, and yet he still smiled his charming grin as if he was perfectly content and bowed his head in response. “Of course, My Princess. I’m sorry. I’ll watch my words.”

“That you will. Now…” Beginning to pace around the room, Ilirianna folded her hands behind her back and continued to speak in her strong and commanding tone, her eyes never wavering from Ryokumo’s face. “Do not misunderstand me. If I had my way, I would force Malloway to turn over every scrap of information he has in regards to that project, and I would happily agree to a search of Mallicent’s room, especially after what Abigail has told us. But as Master Taurus has stated, that is not an option. That being said, I do not wish for anybody else to die from this strange magic, and so we are certainly not going to just ignore the possibility that the guards may be traitors.”

“Then what is the plan?” Ryokumo inquired calmly.

“Simple. We will continue to observe as we are ordered to, but we will focus our efforts on the subjects of Mallicent and this lab.” She then stopped and turned to scan the faces of everybody present. “Firstly, I want you, Caeli, to continue trying to learn everything you possibly can from Aeyir. Befriend the boy and try to work the conversation in the direction you deem appropriate.”

“Yes, My Princess,” Ryokumo stated.

“Good. As for the rest of us, we are going to spread out observations among those who are most suspicious.” The princess smirked. “That being Vesh, Mallicent, and this researcher.”

“Researcher?” Abi parroted with a frown, finally seeming to find her voice after the tense interaction. “But we don’t even know who he is.”

“And that’s what we’ll find out,” Ilirianna replied. “Aeyir said he was brought in from Stellareid, and I doubt he spends all of his time down in the lab. He’ll be staying somewhere in this castle, and we just need to find him and make contact, and ideally Abi will be the one to do it so we can get her reading on him. In addition, anything he says may prove to be useful. Those are your orders. Understood?”

And so, with their plans made clear, the four members of the team were excused so that Ilirianna and Nakoma could speak in private, and when they filed out into the corridor, the tension from before returned.

Ryokumo didn’t seem as if Ilirianna and Nakoma’s scolding phased him at all, and that unnerved Nigreos a little. He didn’t know much about Ryokumo Caeli, having only met him three weeks ago, but if there was anything he could say with certainty, it was that he was bold and confident in his abilities. Taking risks wasn’t as big of a deal to him as it might be to others. Where Nakoma seemed to be under the impression that Ryokumo didn’t fully grasp the danger of their station, Nigreos could say with confidence that Ryokumo perfectly understood it, and that was what drove him to want to be risky. The wind mage was rarely ever phased by stress, having been confident at orientation, as well as when they were summoned by Headmaster Tykon.

Which is why…I wouldn’t put it past him to take matters into his own hands.

“Ryokumo,” Nigreos began softly, speaking loud enough so that only the three mages around him could hear. “Don’t do anything crazy, okay? Princess Ilirianna and Master Taurus are right. We should only observe.”

Ryokumo chuckled and glanced over his shoulder at Nigreos with a sly smile. “My friend, you speak as if you think I’m going to go rogue? Have more faith in me.”

“Can you blame me?” Nigreos replied with a sigh. “I’ve never seen somebody so boldly challenge a Master like that—at least not anybody of such lower status.”

The young man shrugged. “Yes, well, I admit I might have been a tad rude, but I do not like this approach. I can’t help fearing what might happen if we don’t act fast enough. I don’t care what Taurus says, I trust Abi and I trust what she says about this guard. If Vesh has them turn on us, we could actually die here. We have a limited number of days in this city, and it is highly likely, at least in my mind, that Mallicent’s room may contain the clues we seek. With all of that in mind…”

Ryokumo’s smile turned even more determined than before, and Nigreos met his stare with disdain.

“I will do what must be done to protect us, and the people of this city.”

And before any of them could say anything in response, Ryokumo Caeli took an abrupt turn and began to stalk off with a confident step.

***

“Hold on just a moment, Ryokumo!” Album protested, having immediately split off from Nigreos and Abi in pursuit of the wind mage.

Her mind was a whirlwind of fear and uncertainty, but even though she couldn’t even begin to guess what the right decision was under such circumstances, she at least knew that she couldn’t allow Ryokumo to get himself into trouble. That was why she had assured Nigreos and Abi that she’d take care of him before going off to catch up, and when she finally fell into stride alongside him, he fixed her with a surprisingly serious expression.

“Album,” he began softly. “I promise you I’m not doing anything that the princess wouldn’t approve of. I’m just—”

“Then what are you doing?” she demanded sternly.

Ryokumo laughed with exasperation and shrugged as he lowered his voice once again. “Look, I’m confident that Mallicent’s bedroom could contain the clues we seek, and since Princess Ilirianna has banned me from breaking in, I decided I would simply pay the boy a visit and see if he can willingly let me in. I promise, Album, I’m not going rogue.”

As she gazed up into his dark brown eyes, she didn’t sense any deceit in his words, and a feeling of intense relief overcame her. “Good. In that case, why don’t I join you then? I don’t really like the idea of any of us wandering the castle alone anyway, and especially not to talk to him.”

Ryokumo grinned broadly. “Well, I’d certainly appreciate the company. By all means, come along.”

The fact that he was quick to accept her proposal was yet another source of information that the young man didn’t actually intend to do anything that Ilirianna wouldn’t approve of, and though Album knew she probably wouldn’t be able to provide him with any useful support, she still wanted to give him a hand anyway. She hadn’t forgotten the fact that he voiced such strong support of her to the princess, and she wanted to pay him back in any way she could. She had a lot of respect for Ryokumo Caeli, so even if all she could do was stand by his side as he confronted Mallicent, she would still do so.

The two of them made their way toward the northern tower and the staircase that would take them up to the seventh level of Aquesen, where she knew the Malloways kept their sleeping quarters. Ever since hearing Abi’s report, Album had been far more aware of the presence of the castle guard, and so even when the armored men passed them by without even glancing at them, she still felt intense discomfort, especially when Ryokumo pulled one of them aside to ask for directions to Mallicent’s quarters under the guise that the second son had asked to see them. They still didn’t know how the combustions were caused, and with that mystery hanging over their heads, every possible enemy of theirs became terrifying to the young light mage, but having grown up a daughter of Noctalus, she had been trained to keep a calm head and to not succumb to her fears, and so she did her best to not draw the attention of any member of the guard until she and Ryokumo arrived at their destination.

Ryokumo didn’t hesitate to knock on the door, as if he wasn’t even remotely nervous about the oncoming interaction, and his confidence didn’t waver even when Mallicent Malloway opened the door and fixed them both with a bitter scowl.

“Can I help you?” he demanded angrily, barely even paying Album any attention as he eyed Ryokumo. “Perhaps you forgot, Caeli, but I declined your offer for advice.”

Yet Ryokumo just laughed like the boy had told a funny joke. “Of course I remember, My Lord, but your brother urged me to extend the offer once again, saying that it could really do you some good to speak to a current Academy student.” He then motioned toward Album with a wink. “Or two, for that matter.”

Mallicent snorted with disgust and shook his head. “Well tell my brother to butt out. And anyway, I’m quite busy at the moment, so if you would leave me alone, that would be fantastic.”

“Busy, you say?” Ryokumo swiftly cut in before Mallicent could even begin to shut the door in their faces. “Well, I’m not busy at the moment, so if you need any help with whatever you’re up to, I would be more than happy to oblige.”

“No, I do not—”

“Lord Aeyir actually told me that you’re quite the scientist, and that you spend a lot of time working in the labs,” Ryokumo went on, talking over the boy. “And you know, I’m something of a researcher myself—very fascinated by science and the mysteries of this realm and all the others. So if you’re working on something, I would absolutely love to hear about it!”

Album did her best to not allow an exasperated expression to poke through, for not only was Ryokumo being rather bold in bringing up Mallicent’s lab work, but he was also lying straight through his teeth, for she recalled him mentioning barely a week ago that he wasn’t terribly fond of science and found the process to be boring and tedious.

Jeez, Ryokumo, dial it down a bit…

“Er, no, I…” However, for better or for worse, Mallicent seemed completely unsure of how to react to Ryokumo’s suggestion. Like most people who are passionate about anything, he seemed like he actually did want the opportunity to discuss his work, but as Album already knew, he couldn’t due to its secret nature. “Look, Caeli, I appreciate the interest but I will have to decline. Perhaps another time, yes?”

“Ah, pity,” Ryokumo replied with a pout. “But a no is a no, I suppose. That being said…”

Even though Mallicent was making his disinterest painfully clear and that their chances of being let in were low, Ryokumo still pressed on in his attempts, but as he was talking, Album couldn’t help but frown as something strange caused her to tense up.

“Who…are you?”

A shiver ran down her spine as those words seemed to echo in her mind, and as Ryokumo and Mallicent continued to talk, Album glanced down the corridor in both directions, but didn’t see anybody that could have been the one to whisper to her.

What the hell was that? Am I going crazy? I mean, I would know if someone were speaking telepathically, but—

“This magic… I have not sensed it in centuries… It’s quite rare…”

This time, the voice was a little louder, and Album couldn’t help but jump in surprise as she frantically glanced around once more. This seemed to startle Ryokumo and Mallicent, but Album ignored them for a moment as she attempted to collect herself.

“Album?” Ryokumo said with a hint of concern. “What’s wrong?”

“I…”

“Can you not communicate? Well, I would guess not… Enter the room… Come inside… You may be what I seek…”

“Do you guys not hear that?” Album demanded with a furrowed brow. “That voice… Somebody’s talking to me.”

“Voice?” Ryokumo cocked an eyebrow, clearly suspicious, though that suspicion didn’t seem directed at her.

As for Mallicent, Album almost missed it, but she swore she saw a brief flash of rage cross his youthful features, and before anybody could say anything further, he growled, “Like I said, I’m busy, and I don’t have time for your games. Leave me alone!”

With that, he slammed the door, leaving Album and Ryokumo standing there silently for a few moments as the light mage waited for any further words. But whatever spoke to her didn’t try again, and finally, she grimaced and hung her head.

“I’m sorry, Ryokumo, I think I’m just losing it. I don’t—”

“Don’t apologize.” The tone of his voice was filled with excitement, and when she raised her head back up to stare at him, he was smiling widely. “Come, let’s move, but please tell me exactly what it is you heard.” Gently taking her by the shoulder, he led her away from Mallicent’s door and down the corridor before lowering his voice once again and whispering, “Describe what happened. When you said that, Mallicent reacted, like he knew exactly what you were talking about. What happened?”

“Oh, uh, er…” Trying to gather her thoughts after such a startling experience, Album swallowed back her nerves and did her best to explain. “I heard a voice. I couldn’t tell whether it was male or female, and it asked me who I was. It said it could sense rare magic in me and it…” She paused, realizing the most important detail in that voice’s words. “It told me to enter the room, saying I may be what it seeks. You really didn’t hear it?”

Still smiling like he had just been granted his greatest wish, Ryokumo shook his head and laughed. “Not a word, but this is what I went to that room for. When I mentioned research, he got nervous. Then some odd voice urges you to enter? This confirms it…there is a clue in his quarters, exactly as I guessed.”

“Yeah, but…well for one, what even could it be? I mean, it sounded like a person, but there’s no way he’s got somebody locked up in there, right?”

“Maybe, maybe not,” Ryokumo muttered. “But this just furthers my belief that we have to get in there, somehow.”

“But, the princess—”

“I know what the princess said, and I promise I won’t act without her permission,” he assured her with a smirk. “Which just means I have to convince her somehow, but I don’t even know where to begin.” Ryokumo snapped his fingers and faced her with such determination that she knew he wasn’t just going to ignore what happened. “So let's head back to Nigreos and Abi and get their opinions. Come, Album! We have business to attend to!”

The light mage sighed and put her head in her hands, knowing full well that there was nothing she could do to quell his excitement, and so she could only hope that Nigreos and Abi could somehow keep him out of trouble.

That being said, though… Album glanced back over her shoulder, thoughts of the voice returning to her mind. It hadn’t sounded hostile, but the interest it showed in her made her shiver with uncertainty. Magic it hasn’t sensed in centuries? Could it be talking about my light magic? I know it’s rare, but…

She let the thought hang, knowing that if Ryokumo did take matters into his own hands, then she could at least get some assurance about whatever that voice was.