Platinum Prisons: Book 4 of The Rose Tree Chronicles

Chapter Two: A Riddle Half a Century Old

"The Law understands and acknowledges the presence of citizens who have expressed displeasure with the existence of slavery in the empire in which they live. To keep the Peace, The Law grants three ways in which a Slave may obtain freedom from slavery..."

Prim had informed Ivanna's swordmen about the new information which their madam may have received, and that whoever still wished to leave could do so. About half of the adaros (part shark, part men) left their positions as swordmen.

After dinner, Prim updated Ivanna on current politics, and Ivanna took care of whatever issues concerned her. Then, while Nadia read up on ocean literature in the library, the matters of Ivanna's estate were discussed in her study, including the attack on her emerald mine. The sabotage was executed by swordmen working for one of the nobles in Emperor Jaskaran's court. No doubt an afront against her heritage. However, she felt certain the emperor would support her, and the nobleman responsible would pay for damages. Meanwhile, she doubled the number of swordmen to guard the mine, as well as her nectar and oyster farms until she was able to assign them a new mission for her mother.

Ivanna handled only her most pressing responsibilities (taking a break for oyster hour, which was seafolk teatime), and she finished just in time for supper. She opted to leave the matters which could wait until she returned to the manor on another date. After supper, Ivanna played ocean parlor games with Nadia in the drawing room in front of the lavachamber to keep their minds off the stressful aspects in life. During this time, Nadia requested to take a book back to shore with her. Of course, Ivanna told her to pack as many books as she pleased, and to include games for when Rallian inevitably filled his tank with mermaids. She noticed Nadia being frugal in her packing and Ivanna insisted she take advantage. So Nadia did. Then Ivanna felt it wise for them both to head to bed early so to get enough sleep for the long day that was sure to follow.

§

The journey back to Noelle took place on Miseria 20, 842, and it seemed to be much shorter than the journey to Ocean Rose to Nadia. They didn't return to the cave from which they had left due to the autumn storm which roared over Noelle at the time. Instead, they entered a flooded stone cavern beneath Bloodrose Villa where Nadia and Ivanna shored in privacy and shelter. Flowery vines trailed down from the cracks above, their blossoms swaying away from the carefully-placed torches that offered the soft light by which to see.

Ivanna stepped out of the pool toward the gilded lounge furniture that formed a quaint sitting area. She used her fairy magic to dry herself quickly and redress in a red and gold gown with her hair up in curls and gold jewels. Meanwhile, Nadia sat on the rock which surfaced from the center of the pool and ate her crystals. Moments later, she watched as her tail split into two legs again. Ivanna dressed and dried Nadia as well with a wave of her hand, then they approached the stairwell which led up into the castle.

Ivanna paused and faced Nadia before they ascended. "If you don't wish to return to Aimonbay early, I won't force you just because we shored early."

Nadia was amazed at how accurately Ivanna seemed to have read her mind. She pondered the option for a moment while she observed the lady's new gown. It was the new fashion that many of the upper-crust of Noelle were adopting from Preshire: form-fitting dresses tied at the waist with rope or sashes to replace the now old-fashioned saris and scarves. She had mostly only seen the style on her master's daughter, Lady Skye, who had the worst taste in color, but the darker shades on the marchioness suited her well.

At length, Nadia pulled her attention back to the situation at hand and finally confessed, "I'm torn, my Lady. What would you do?"

Ivanna eyed her with pity and answered honestly. "I personally have always preferred to be done with pressing matters. I've never been able to tolerate agonizing over the inevitable. But I'm not you. Do you agonize over the inevitable?"

"Always," said Nadia. "But I'm not as brave as you."

"Well, I couldn't confirm or deny that, but be sure you're not confusing bravery with fearlessness. They are two very different things. I feel fear often, and whoever claims not to is either a liar or a fool." Ivanna paused while the wheels turned in Nadia's head. "Shall I have a chamber prepared for you?"

Nadia sucked in a deep breath through her nose. "No. Thank you. I think I'll go and be done with pressing matters."

"Understood." With a nod, Ivanna lifted her crimson skirts and turned to ascend the stairs. "In that case, I'll have a coach prepared for you."

§

Once Nadia was off to Aimonbay, Ivanna sent a courier to request the presence of the Imperial Advisor and her childhood friend, Polaris, at his earliest convenience. Then she summoned her lady's maid and former First Mate, Aleda, to her chamber. Her décor had changed much over the past four years. The sharp lines and cold symmetry of geometric patterns had vanished, replaced by sweeping curves and gilded furnishes. Every surface now shimmered with the richness of baroque design. Delicate scrollwork and floral motifs were carved into the gold trim of the furniture, archways, and even the corners where walls met ceiling, as though the room itself had begun to bloom.

Ivanna and Aleda sat opposite each other in high-backed chairs, which were upholstered in burgundy velvet and positioned before a towering fireplace that was framed in ornate gold leaf. The fire within cracked softly, casting warm light across their cups of tea, which steamed gently in the cool air around them as Ivanna recounted the tangled events of the day prior.

"I only hope Rein somehow learns I've returned early," Ivanna said once she had finished. She gripped the envelope in her lap. "And that she can make it here in this storm. I imagine I will be assigning her the mission of fetching whatever this message says to fetch."

"There will be plenty of time to inform her if she doesn't show," said Aleda.

"Perhaps ... however I'll be in a hurry, I'm sure."

It was always difficult for Ivanna to adequately express her urgency to Aleda, who rarely appeared to share her alarm. Aleda sat with her hands gently folded in her lap atop her dark purple skirt, giving Ivanna a relaxed smile to remind her everything will be fine.

"How have things been up here?" Ivanna asked. "I know I've only been gone for a day."

"Actually, we received a message from Lady Verona that Her Majesty is expressing concern about the growing number of supporters for Sir Darius now that he's courting someone," Aleda explained.

This news effectively distracted Ivanna from the letter. "Is he now? Who?"

"Count Mendor's daughter," Aleda answered with a smirk.

Ivanna chuckled softly. "How appropriate for one of Ariana's white knights to court the daughter of the man with the largest weapons forge in the empire. Has she mentioned what she plans to do about this sudden growth within the Royal Order?"

"I'm afraid not, she only recently vocalized her blatant displeasure with Verona and Lusi. Evidently, even Lady Thaïs isn't aware that she's concerned about it. Ariana continues to pretend Thaïs and her son are on her good side."

"Curious ... Ariana must find either Thaïs or Darius useful in some way." Ivanna rubbed her cheek in thought. "This silent competition for the throne could come in handy for us as well. Darius being Darren's firstborn is a strong argument in his favor, and I can't help but wonder if he is in fact a better fit than Raynar."

"Do you plan to openly support his candidacy for the throne?" Aleda asked.

"No, of course not. Those involved with the Royal Order are guilty of treason by Ariana's standards. No, I already have more eyes on me than I prefer, it's best not to give people even more reason to keep watch. But I might be able to covertly use the Order to my advantage. Perhaps this will be a relevant subject to discuss tonight after we read this letter."

A knock came on Ivanna's door. "My Lady, it's Rupert."

"Come in," Ivanna called.

Her door opened slightly to reveal her elderly butler. "The Right Honorable, Lord Polaris of Noelle has arrived, my Lady."

"Prepare the parlor for us, we'll be there momentarily."

§

Ivanna and Aleda stepped into the parlor, where shadows clung to the walls. The baroque engraving continued, winding like gilded ivy along every frame. Candlelight flickered across pewter moldings, casting soft, serpentine reflections along the floor.

As always, Ivanna's eyes went first to Polaris. He sat before the ornate pewter hearth, the flames casting dramatic shadows across his exhausted face. His crimson tunic caught the light like a blood-red banner, the fabric flawlessly tailored against stark black trousers. The man was always poised, polished, and impossible to overlook.

At his side stood Drake, his letmonian assistant: a living skeleton with the body of a satyr and the head of a raptor. His bones, a gleaming ivory, were wrapped in a violet tunic that mirrored his employer's tones, while a black turban crowned his skull, centered with a deep amethyst glinting like an unreadable eye.

Relief flickered in Ivanna's chest as she spotted Rein as well, darkly dressed as always, seated atop a dust-coated book Ivanna had long forgotten on a pewter end table.

Polaris rose as Ivanna entered. His gaze slipped past her composed expression and locked onto the envelope clutched tightly in her hands, white-knuckled, as if it were not limestone paper, but a lifeline.

"Leave us, Rupert," Ivanna said. "And we are not to be interrupted."

"Yes, my Lady." Rupert bowed and left.

"It doesn't look like the journey to Moss Canyon went so well," Rein dared to say.

"It went well enough for Nadia," Ivanna clarified as she stepped farther into the room. She fought to take comfort from the storm-song outside, and the warmth from her roaring fireplace which never seemed to reach the chill lodged in her chest. She continued to address her guests between the intermittent crashes of thunder, each syllable measured and deliberate. "She's on her way back to Aimonbay in my coach as we speak. She wishes to get matters over with, which I don't blame her. But if you don't mind, I would like to set aside the subject of Nadia just for the moment, and turn our attentions to something else."

She held up the envelope for everyone to see.

"What is that?" Polaris asked.

"Please, everyone sit."

Ivanna and Polaris sat across from each other in tall wingback chairs while Aleda and Drake sat side by side on the matching purple sofa.

Rein perched on the brass lamp beside Ivanna. While there was some concern for what the Lady was about to disclose, she appeared somewhat preoccupied, glancing almost everywhere but the marchioness.

"When I brought Nadia to Moss Canyon, the miracle worker gifted me this letter in appreciation for my aid. She forbade me from reading it until I was specifically 'sitting' here at Bloodrose among company. Forgive me if I appear somewhat on edge; she said the contents of the letter would tell me where I can find information on my mother."

"You mean your mother who's been missing for five decades?" Polaris asked.

"Yes," Ivanna answered.

"Curious she would have such information," said Drake.

"Well, she does work directly with the best source in all the universe," Ivanna replied. "I have no doubt I can trust the letter's contents. Now we do have other matters to discuss today, so without further ado, let's see what it says."

"Would you like me to read it, Iva?" Polaris offered.

"I would," Ivanna answered. "However, I imagine it is written in another language, and I am the only person in the room who knows it."

With trembling hands, Ivanna tugged on the string which held the envelope together. The envelope fell open with a soft whisper, revealing a sheet of pale limestone paper etched with Thallassian words. Ivanna hesitated. The faint crackle of the fire and the distant patter of rain filled the tense silence. Then, she drew in a steadying breath, and translated the message.

"The answer to this riddle nearly half a century old is written in the early memoirs of one..." Ivanna's breath caught in her throat. Tears of rage filled her eyes as she struggled to read on. "... is written in the early memoirs of one ... Sir Rallian, Marquis of Helvetica ... during a visit to Vira."

"Savages," Polaris whispered.

Aleda was completely speechless.

Rein's eyes darted to all corners of the room as she struggled to process the words, though she was hardly able to focus.

Ivanna crumpled the paper in her quivering fists as she forced herself to breathe slowly.

"Iva?" Aleda said softly.

Ivanna hurled the message into the fireplace with a roar emphasized by a flash of lightning and another crash of thunder, but the action did little in the way of relief. She jumped to her feet and launched a marble statuette across the room, shattering it against the wall with a crash felt by all present.

"What the blue blazes does Rallian know of my mother?" Ivanna hollered with hot tears streaming down her face. Polaris and Drake stood slowly in case there was a need to intervene. "For all these years—you heard it yourself, nearly half a century! For almost half a century I've been out there searching for answers, and all this time this mermaid-hunting wraith has had it in his Godforsaken memoirs! Literally in his hands! Perhaps at one point even under my nose!"

"Indeed, this is distressing news, Iva," said Polaris in a soothing tone.

"The entire concept is horrendously appalling!" Ivanna waved her hands through the air. "What could possibly give him even the slightest impression that he has any right to keep this information from me?"

"It's likely he has no idea, Iva," Polaris explained in an effort to bring her down to rational conversation.

"And how is that?" Ivanna snapped.

"We don't even know what exactly he wrote, but do you really think it says, 'the mother of Lady Ivanna,' in his diary?"

"The terminology of his scribbles is irrelevant, and I cannot simply stand here idle after learning this. I demand to see that diary!"

Ivanna stormed toward the doorway out of the parlor, but Polaris quickly stepped in her path. "Listen, Iva: don't you think it wise to develop some plan of action rather than barge through his doors and demand he tell you what he knows about your mermaid mother? It's possible he's not even aware he has such information and if you tell him, he may find reason to use it as leverage against you."

Ivanna tried to counter, but she could come up with no valid argument. Polaris was right; he was often right. Because no retort presented itself to her, she tossed her water basin to the floor in another fit of rage. If only she could put him down with some logical line of reasoning.

"Iva!" Polaris reached to embrace her, but she shrank away.

"No!" she raised her hands to keep Polaris at bay. "No, I wish to be alone for a moment." She shuffled out the door and rushed toward the exit out to her rear courtyard.

§

Polaris's thoughts churned in a storm of half-formed conclusions and unanswered questions. Moments ago, the gathering had followed a familiar rhythm, but within seconds, chaos shattered the calm allowing little time to think, let alone react. He stepped to chase after Ivanna, but Drake grabbed his arm.

"My Lord, she's overwhelmed with rage. Perhaps it is wise to give her time to herself per her request."

"Should I go see if I can find this diary?" Rein asked. "Or see if Makiar knows anything of it?"

"Perhaps we should wait until Ivanna's managed to clear her mind and learn what she wants to do," Polaris answered, grasping desperately for a moment to process. He glanced at Aleda who had remained seated on the sofa with her head hung low. "Are you well, Miss Aleda?"

The lady's maid lifted her dark green eyes to Polaris. "Yes, it's just ... this explains so much..."

"It explains what?" Rein asked.

"Well, I'm the Lady's jade girl," Aleda answered. "We've been wondering for years why her gold boy never awoke."

The room was silent with confusion.

"I'm afraid it's been some time since I've reviewed the Zhi-Ren Tradition," Polaris professed.

"It's fire elemental culture. Each family has a gold boy and jade girl in case the parents pass early on. When that happens, the children place both pieces on the parents' graves, light them aflame, and they awaken to take care of the children. It only works when the parents die and over their graves. When Ivanna was orphaned, she took me and her gold boy, placed us over her father's grave, sent her flame upon us, but only I rose. We thought it was because her mother didn't have a grave, or perhaps because she's only a quarter fire elemental. But now ... now we know it was because her mother is still alive. The Lady had hope of course, but I never imagined even one of us could rise if only one parent passed."

"Well her mother's condition isn't confirmed yet," said Polaris. "If it only works over both parents' graves, the single grave could still be an explanation."

Aleda shrugged, still in thought. "I suppose..."

Polaris made his way to a window across the room which provided a limited, misty view of the rear courtyard. "Let's try not to get her hopes up. The letter doesn't offer any answers at all, only where to find them."

He spotted Ivanna through the veil of rain, a blur of movement in the storm-swept rose garden. Her gown clung to her in the downpour as she stumbled across the flooded path. Then she dropped with a broken cry at the base of the labradorite fountain, her body folding in on itself as if the weight of her grief had finally won.

Polaris pressed his forehead against the cold windowpane, the chill biting into his skin. He watched her crumble, wishing with a hollow ache that he could give her even a fragment of peace.

"How is she?" Rein asked.

"Not well," Polaris answered.

"Should we postpone today's discussion then?" Drake asked.

"No, Ivanna recovers quickly," Aleda answered. "She wanted to meet when she returned; she will not be pleased to learn that we canceled without consulting her first."

"Very well." Polaris tore himself away from the window and exited the parlor.

§

Ivanna had wept until her body was hollow, every sob wrung from her like salt from the sea. Now all she craved was sleep, heavy and dreamless. But her limbs refused to move. The thought of dragging herself to her chambers and facing the gazes—pitying, confused, or worse—was more than she could bear. So she knelt there against her fountain, her fingers curled limply on the stone. Her puffy, red-rimmed eyes stared blankly at her drooping rosebushes, their petals heavy with raindrops, glistening like bruised glass. The rain trickled into the water with a steady rhythm, the soothing sound conflicting with her raging soul.

Soon, she detected a faint footfall behind her, though she felt no need to acknowledge it. It stopped. The silence was overwhelming her, and interrupted her peace.

"What is it?" she asked her visitor.

"I just wanted to check on you," came Polaris's gentle voice.

"I'm alive." She detested even his presence at that moment.

"Well that's a good start." Polaris sat on the fountain beside Ivanna, obscuring her view of the rosebushes. "Have you deciphered a way to handle your new predicament?"

"No."

"Might I offer a suggestion?"

"By all means."

"While Makiar continues to search for the correspondence between Ariana and Rallian, Rein may search through the journals for this information. Eventually she's bound to find it so long as she reads through all his journals, which she's been doing anyway. Once she does find it, she'll report it to us and from there we can discuss our next course of action. Meanwhile, we won't be distracted from other matters. How does that sound?"

Ivanna listened to Polaris's words and did manage to find some reassurance in a step-by-step plan. "When do I get to kill Rallian?"

Polaris chuckled lightly. "It may be wise to wait until we obtain all the information we need to finally solve the mystery of your mother."

Ivanna pushed herself to sit up. "Well it's something I suppose."

Polaris brushed a loose strand of damp crimson hair from Ivanna's lavender eye, but the pouring rain only pushed it back onto her nose. "How about we postpone today's discussion, and you get some rest?"

"No." Ivanna brought herself back to her feet and smoothed down her wet skirts, quickly pulling herself together. "If we postpone, we risk not being able to find another convenient time in the near future. I can rest after our gathering."

"Iva—"

"I said no. We planned for this meeting to happen after I returned, and I've returned. Come, we can at least make it quick."

§

Having relieved much of her rage through violence and tears, Ivanna felt she could manage at least a few minutes of rationality. She gathered everyone in a larger, more comfortable drawing room after drying herself and Polaris with her magic. She included her mercenary captain, Vincent, fully suited in his black and brown mercenary garb, as well as the group of four she had titled her, "Rogue Assassins." For the past few years, these practitioners of Iah-Ra had been living generously on Bloodrose Villa so as not to become accustomed to luxury. They understood they would one day be living off the land again soon enough. However, they had taken full advantage of Ivanna's offer to perfect their natural skillsets.

Ezra of Shadowbay had learned how to improve her ability to manipulate fire to its full potential. Despite delving deeper into her pyroead blood, she remained a flightless, raven-winged valkyrie, only able to soar and glide. Gideon of Elm, who was part berserker and part lare, had learned to better control his berserkergang and couldn't be happier about it.

Jedidiah of Oakwood, the one who was part venavore and part leshy, had some ways to go since his lessons were more complicated. He had proven adept at controlling venomous and fire-breathing creatures, but he worked rigorously to control individuals who had ingested toxins and venom. He was mighty dedicated to his lessons.

Elion of Prairiefield, the elf, had already maxed-out his abilities to their fullest. Rather than obtaining any lessons for himself, he had offered to teach Ivanna how to counter elf magic with the fairy magic she had gained from the Cataras Springs long before they had been destroyed. With any luck, this almost weekly lesson would aid Ivanna in her efforts to fight and suppress her utter terror (and perhaps border-line hatred) for elf-kind.

Everyone took a seat except for Vincent, who generally preferred to stand, and Ivanna who felt too restless to sit. She paced a corner of the room near Aleda who sat prepared to take note of every important detail of the discussion. Once everyone had a drink in hand and appeared ready to begin, Ivanna took a deep breath.

"All right, let's get started, shall we?"

"Before we begin," Rein spoke, "I would like to get something off my chest ... something I believe to be particularly important."

All eyes were on the tiny fairy, which only increased her apparent discomfort. She cowered from their gazes, scrunching her shoulders to her ears.

"Yes, Rein?" Polaris urged.

"Um ... I'm not sure if you're aware, but back during the Stone War, I had a couple of nightmares. Very intense ones. They were realistic, clear, and vivid."

"Vivid..." Polaris narrowed his eyes at Rein.

"Yes," she confirmed. "Many aspects of these nightmares came true. Other aspects ... I managed to avoid."

"You've had prophetic dreams?" Polaris asked.

"Yes," Rein said again. "And I think I had another one last night."