The Messengers of Darhar Zass

By Ashley Abbiss

Best friends Ilta and Davek are enjoying their ‎retirement. Their bodies are a bit creaky and the part ‎of the country that they live in is occupied territory, ‎but apart from some shortages and the ubiquitous ‎presence of enemy soldiers patrolling the town, life is ‎good. The war is nothing to do with them. That’s for ‎the young ones to worry about.‎
That is, until Darhar Zass, the king’s wizard, turns ‎up on their doorsteps. He has, he says, been on a ‎spying mission for the king, and he has a message that ‎absolutely must get through. However, he’s being ‎followed and Ilta and Davek, both of whom he knows ‎from their previous lives in the capital, are the only ‎ones he can trust to deliver it for him. ‎
He wants them to carry the message to the king ‎while he leads the pursuit off in another direction. But ‎not only are the two friends ageing, with creaking ‎joints and other ailments, Davek is almost blind and ‎Ilta has been banished from the capital and the ‎surrounding province of Parling on pain of death. ‎They refuse.‎
To force them to comply, Darhar Zass casts a spell ‎on their pets. Suddenly, Ilta’s three cats and Davek’s ‎dog and bird can all talk, are more intelligent, and are ‎different in other ways too. Since the occupying ‎troops both hate and fear magic, the animals, along ‎with Ilta and Davek, are now in mortal danger. Also, ‎one of the cats has the message for the king implanted ‎in her brain along with a compulsion to go to the ‎capital and deliver it.‎
All of which means that, whether they want to or ‎not, Ilta, Davek and their animal friends have no ‎choice but to leave their homes and try to make it ‎through the occupied lands to the capital where ‎Empress the cat can deliver her message to the king. ‎
However, returning to the capital will put Ilta in ‎danger and when she is arrested, the only way to save ‎her life is to find proof that she was innocent of the ‎original charge against her. It will be up to Davek to ‎solve a years-old mystery and find out why someone ‎saw fit to frame her for a crime she didn’t commit. ‎But even if he finds the answers, will it be enough to ‎prove her innocence and prevent her execution? Or ‎will he and the animals have to try to break her out of ‎prison? Because there’s no way they’re leaving her ‎there.‎

• Language: English
• Publisher: Ashley Abbiss
• Release date: Apr 25, 2020
• ISBN: 9780463660867

Ashley Abbiss

Hello there. I’m Ashley Abbiss. ‎I live and write in beautiful New Zealand, where I live with one large dog, who looks nothing ‎like Friend from my Daughters of Destiny books. She is, however, almost as intelligent and definitely as ‎opinionated, and if she can’t quite speak in the way Friend does to Niari, that doesn’t really ‎hold her back much!‎I write fantasy, mostly of the epic variety. Let me say right up front that if you’re looking for a quick read, you’re in the wrong place. But if you like a substantial, ‎satisfying story that you can really get your teeth into, stick with me. I may have something ‎you’ll enjoy. There’s no graphic sex in my books. If that’s what you want, you’ll have to look ‎elsewhere. There is violence, and there is swearing, though mostly of the ‘s/he swore’ variety, ‎nothing overly graphic or offensive. I also write about strong, independent female characters, ‎so if your taste runs to something more macho, or something more frilly and helpless, this may ‎not be the place for you. ‎I’ve always loved wandering in different worlds, be they fantasy or science fiction, although ‎lately I tend to prefer fantasy. The only proviso is that they have to be believable worlds, ‎worlds that feel real, that have depth and scope – and they must, absolutely must be fun to ‎visit. I read for escape and entertainment, and I don’t really want to escape from this world ‎into one even grimmer. Trouble, tension, and danger I can deal with, what sort of story would ‎there be without them? Where would Pern be without Thread, Frodo without Sauron, Harry ‎Potter without Voldemort? But there has to be hope, and there has to be a light touch. Happy ‎ever after does have a lot going for it, even if initially it’s only a very small light at the end of ‎a long, dark tunnel. My personal favourites include Tolkien's Lord of the Rings trilogy, Anne ‎McCaffrey’s Pern series, and the fantasies of David Eddings, and lately, they’ve been joined ‎by J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter and a few others. Of those, David Eddings was probably my ‎greatest inspiration.‎I began to wonder if I could create my own world, one just as believable and multi-layered as ‎theirs. Could I create a world with its own history, geography, social structure, deities, and all ‎the rest? One that hung together? That a reader could believe in? It became a challenge, one I ‎really wanted to see if I could meet. So I dusted off my writing skills, learned a few more, ‎cranked up the imagination, and got busy. I’d always been good at creative writing, but ‎though I’d made a few attempts to write after I left school, none of them came to anything. ‎That was until I started writing fantasy. Suddenly, I knew I’d come home. ‎I quickly discovered that I’m not the sort of writer who can plan a book (or a world!) before I ‎start. I just can’t do it. But I can create characters, and suddenly the characters took on a ‎reality of their own and took over the stories, often to the extent that they actually surprised ‎me. And the stories worked. Their world worked. Sometimes I had to go back and fix the ‎odd contradiction, but mostly it worked and was very natural and organic. Even though my ‎first attempts were pitiful, I knew I’d found where I belong. I persevered, I learned, I wrote. ‎I discovered that the characters are key for me. Once I get them right, they tell their own ‎story. I was away. There were dark days during which my stories became my refuge, my ‎characters my friends. And I kept writing. There were happy times when I didn’t need a ‎refuge, but my characters were still my friends, and they drew me inexorably back. I kept ‎writing. ‎And now, I hope my characters may become your friends too, my worlds ones where you also ‎like to walk; perhaps even your refuge from dark days. Come join me in a world where magic ‎is real and the gods are near, where beasts talk and men and women achieve things they never ‎dreamed they could. But most of all, come and have fun! ‎Happy reading.‎Ash.‎

Book preview

CHAPTER ONE

Ilta tucked a stray lock of grey hair behind her ear, flicked a last speck of dust off the table, gave a tweak to the arrangement of flowers that stood in the tall vase on top of it, gathered up her things and made her way up the central aisle of the temple. She bobbed a quick obeisance when she reached the front of the altar, arthritic knees creaking, before turning left toward the little room beside the back door where she stored her cleaning supplies.

Five minutes later, she had stowed her cleaning things back where they belonged, collected her basket and her cloak, and was on her way home. But first, a slight detour. She’d heard that one of the traders in the market had honey cakes, and she thought she might buy one for Davek if they weren’t too expensive. She knew they were his favourites, and they’d been a bit scarce lately.

In truth, most things were scarce lately. The year since the war had been lost and the greater part of Dahrlin had been overrun by the Norvins had seen shortages like nothing Ilta had seen before, and of course, crippling prices for what was available. So much so that even the well-off were learning how to cook for themselves and how to forage in the forests and fields that surrounded the village. When there was nothing to buy, money wasn’t much help.

Everything seemed to be scarce; everything except Norvin soldiers, that was. They were everywhere. Probably scared that the king would find a way to strike back, Ilta thought. Parling, the province where the capital, Kingstown, was situated, still held out. So far, the Norvins hadn’t been able to take it, so the king still ruled that much of Dahrlin.

She understood they’d made a couple of serious attempts, but they’d been beaten back each time. The best they could do was to attempt to blockade Parling, both to cut its lines of supply and, perhaps more importantly, to try to stop the influx of young men and women who were rallying to the cause of the king.

Sick of the strutting arrogance and casual brutality of the Norvin troops, they were eager to fight for the freedom of their country. Rumour had it that there were plenty of them volunteering and that they weren’t having all that much trouble reaching the capital.

Well, that last bit didn’t surprise her. If someone really wanted to do something, there was generally a way, and the locals knew the ground a lot better than the invaders. She wouldn’t be surprised to find that there was an underground network somewhere helping them through.

Ilta wasn’t sure how accurate the reports of numbers were, but she did know personally of at least four young people from this very area who had ‘disappeared’ in the last six months and whose families did not appear to be as distressed as they ought to be about such disappearances. All things considered, she was inclined to give the rumours quite a bit of credence.

Meanwhile, unable to conquer Parling and finish the war, the Norvin soldiers strutted around the rest of the country and tried to pretend that the capital didn’t matter. They took the best of the produce for themselves and levelled heavy taxes on the rest.

They accosted perfectly innocent people going about their business and bullied and often robbed them, and no young woman was safe on the streets alone. Where possible, they went out with at least a friend and preferably a male relative. Not that even that always stopped the soldiers, but at least it was some deterrent.

Ilta had never thought she would be pleased to be getting old, but she was finding her grey hair and wrinkles to be an effective armour against being molested, and that could only be a good thing. Thanks to them, she could more or less come and go as she pleased and be reasonably confident of being left alone.

Unlike the young woman she could see right now as she approached the market square. A couple of Norvin soldiers had her bailed up against a wall and were standing far too close. The woman was Dovra, she noticed, the daughter of her neighbour, Artria. Ilta knew that Artria was ill. Dovra must have come to the market to buy food for them. Ilta could see the basket over her arm.

She was about to go on her way. What, after all, could an ageing woman with arthritic joints do against two young, fit, heavily-armed soldiers? But then she caught sight of Dovra’s face as she turned her head, and she looked so distressed that Ilta knew she couldn’t just pass on by and not do anything. She veered purposefully that way.

There you are, Dovra! she said in an annoyed voice. Whatever are you doing dallying around here? I thought you were supposed to meet me at the temple.

Ilta! Dovra said, almost sobbing.

Ilta gave her a warning shake of the head in the moment before the soldiers turned around to scowl at her.

Well, come on, girl, Ilta said. This isn’t getting the shopping done, is it? I need to be getting home. I have things to do, and your Mama will be needing you. Gentlemen, she said with a nod to the glowering soldiers. She grabbed Dovra by the elbow and began to walk briskly away.

Thanks, Ilta, Dovra whispered as they walked. But wasn’t that a bit risky?

Probably, Ilta shrugged. But what was I supposed to do? Just walk on and pretend I hadn’t seen you? Besides, what are they going to do? We’re headed for the market where there are plenty of people, and they’re not actually supposed to bother people, you know.

Dovra laughed hollowly. When did that ever stop them? Have you ever seen a senior officer pull them up about it? Because I haven’t.

Ilta sighed. No, that’s true, she admitted. But I couldn’t just walk on and leave you in that situation, and that’s all there is to it. Now, let’s talk about something else.

They were at the market by then, and Ilta pressed forward eagerly.

I heard someone had honey cakes for sale, she said, perusing the stalls. I’m hoping I can get one for Davek. He loves the things.

You and Davek! Dovra laughed. Why don’t you just marry him?

Bite your tongue! Ilta said. "I have no intention of marrying anyone and Davek knows it. In fact, I’m pretty sure he feels the same way. We’re friends, Dovra, very good friends. We enjoy each other’s company, we look out for each other, but we both like our independence. I’d go mad if I couldn’t go home to my own place and have my own space, and Davek’s exactly the same."

Yes, but...

We’re perfectly happy as we are, Dovra, Ilta said firmly. Just leave it alone. We like our relationship just the way it is. Ah, here we are!

There were two honey cakes left, and they actually weren’t too expensive, for a change. Ilta bought both of them.

Now, she said briskly, I need some vegetables and some meat for dinner. Did you have shopping to do, too? I notice you have your basket, and I think we ought to stay together, just in case those men are still around."

Oh, um, I just need a couple of things, Dovra said awkwardly, blushing to the roots of her hair.

All right, Dovra, what’s wrong? Ilta said in a no-nonsense voice, turning to the younger woman.

I... Dovra said.

Ilta gave her a look.

I wasn’t going to buy anything specific, Dovra admitted miserably. I was just going to look around and see if there was anything I could afford. That’s why I left it late. Things are cheaper sometimes towards the end of the day because the stallholders don’t want to have to carry the stuff home again. I had to get the physician out to Mother again last night, you see.

How much do you have? Ilta asked.

Threepence, Dovra whispered.

Oh, my lord! Ilta said. She looked around for a moment. Come with me, she ordered and struck off back into the market.

She headed straight for her favourite vegetable stall, where she set to work selecting the vegetables she wanted. When she had paid for them, she put some of them away in her own basket. The rest, she handed to Dovra.

But I can’t... Dovra began.

Hush, you, Ilta said, pouring them into Dovra’s basket. How do you expect Artria to get well if she doesn’t have decent food? Now, threepence should be enough to get some bones and meat scraps from the butcher. Then, what you do is boil those up, add in the vegetables and whatever herbs you fancy, and you have a soup that should do you for a couple of days at least. You can add some barley or beans or something as well if you have some. Do you have flour to make bread?

Dovra nodded.

Well, then, Ilta said briskly. Soup and bread, what more could you ask? That’s a good, nutritious meal for very little cost. Some good, nourishing food will probably do as much for Artria as the physician can, and at much less cost.

Thank you, Dovra whispered.

No need to cry, girl, that’s what friends are for, Ilta said. Your mother would do the same for me if our situations were reversed. Come on, butcher.

It was Ilta who spoke with the butcher, and as a result, Dovra came away with some good, meaty bones and quite a large end of bacon to add flavour to her soup for her threepence. It was a little mouldy but, as Ilta pointed out, those bits weren’t large, and she could always cut them off. From the way Dovra clutched it to her breast as though it was her greatest treasure, she didn’t seem to mind. Then, their shopping done for the day, the two women began to make their way home.

Thank you, Ilta, Dovra said as they paused at her gate. For everything.

You just get that soup made for your mother, and make sure she eats some, Ilta said. It’ll do her good. And be careful when you go out again. I might not be there next time. Wait until someone can go with you, is the best way.

I will, Dovra said. Don’t worry, Ilta, today was quite enough for me.

And here, Ilta said, thrusting a honey cake at her. Take this to share with your mother.

I thought you bought them for Davek, Dovra said.

Ilta waved a hand. Davek’s fat enough, and your mother could probably do with a treat to cheer her up a bit.

She turned and walked off before Dovra could make any further objections. Her place was the next one along. As she approached the gate, a golden streak burst out of the bushes and tackled her ankles.

Hunter! she said, bending to pat the cat. Come on, I’ll let you inside and then I have to go see Davek once I’ve put this stuff away. If you’re nice, I might find you a treat. Where are your mother and sister?

As she spoke, she led the way up the path to the front door, which she unlocked and pushed open. A rather pretty, long-haired tortoiseshell strolled out.

Oh, there you are, Missy, Ilta said. Come on then, treat time.

Missy shot back in the door, closely followed by Hunter. By the time Ilta reached the kitchen, both cats were sitting on the mat, looking hopeful. Empress, their mother, wouldn’t be in. She was half-wild and only came in for her dinner, and then only if Ilta was safely out of the way.

Ilta hoped she was getting a little bolder, but Empress was terrified of humans. She must have been badly mistreated before she’d turned up on Ilta’s doorstep, pregnant and starving. She’d got to the stage where she wouldn’t bolt outside if she saw Ilta but would only hide under the table until she’d gone, but that was as tame as she got.

Ilta set her shopping down on the bench and set about cutting a little square of cheese for each cat. Hunter got his on the floor, while Missy turned around and led the way outside. They had to be fed separately or Hunter would gobble his and then swipe Missy’s, too.

Ilta left Missy with her piece of cheese and went back inside, thinking that she was turning into the old cat lady. And she hadn’t even wanted a cat, let alone three! But she hadn’t been able to bring herself to ignore poor Empress. She’d been skin and bone when Ilta had found her whimpering on the doorstep.

But this wasn’t the time for all that nonsense. She put her groceries away, took the remaining honey cake and headed out again. A few doors down and on the other side of the street lived her friend Davek. Ilta walked up the path and knocked on the door, noticing that, as usual, all three cats had followed her and were lurking in the bushes near the gate.

It always amused her. It was almost as though they were afraid that she would get lost and not be able to find her way home without their help. As though she needed an escort. What she found really strange about it was that they knew Davek’s dog, Buddy, would chase them, yet they came anyway. They generally ended up all perched up the tree at the front of Davek’s place.

Or at least, the kittens did. Empress sometimes joined them, but actually, Buddy knew to leave her well alone. She was a true monarch, that one. Her claws were sharp, and she knew how to use them. She’d shredded Buddy’s nose often enough to make him very cautious where she was concerned.

Ilta could hear Davek coming along the hall now, as usual both telling his bird to shut up and assuring her that it was her ‘mama’ at the door. And then there was a scrabbling at the door and it swung open.

Yes, it’s your Mama, Davek said over his shoulder before swinging the door wide. Go and say hello to that damned bird! he said irritably. Maybe she’ll shut up then. Nag, nag, nag, because she doesn’t think I got up out of my chair fast enough to suit her.

As Ilta stepped inside, Buddy went past her out the door, barking. She imagined the cats would be up the tree by the time he reached the gate. She didn’t worry about it. It was all a game. There was no malice in it, except possibly for Empress, who didn’t like the dog and didn’t care who knew it.

I bought you a honey cake, Ilta said, placing it in Davek’s hands.

I knew I could smell one! he grinned happily. Thank you. Go on through and talk to the bird. I’ll just put this in the kitchen.

He headed to his right while Ilta walked straight ahead to the living room, her eyes already seeking out the small blue parrot whose cage stood just inside the door. But she stopped short at sight of the man who rose from the couch as she approached.

Holy Priestess, he said with an inclination of his head.

CHAPTER TWO

Ilta’s eyes hardened with hostility.

Do not mock me, Darhar Zass, she said harshly.

That was not my intention, Ilta Blenn, Darhar Zass said mildly.

But Ilta had already turned on her heel and was heading straight back to the front door. I’ll see you later, Davek, she called as she marched out the door and down the path. Come on, Hunter, Missy, Empress. We’re going home.

She marched smartly across the road, Hunter leading the way, the two females following behind. But she’d been home only about twenty minutes when there was a knock on the door. Darhar Zass stood there.

Ilta... he began.

She slammed the door and then locked it for good measure.

Ilta Blenn, we must talk, Darhar called through the wood.

I have nothing to say to you, Darhar Zass, Ilta said.

There was a pause.

We can do this the easy way or the hard way, Ilta Blenn, Darhar said. The easy way is you let me in. The hard way is I let myself in. Choose quickly. I grow impatient.

The thing hung there for a long moment before Ilta jerked the door open.

What? she snarled.

Ilta Blenn, Darhar said gently, I am not your enemy.

No? she said, her tone not softening at all. And yet, you threatened to use magic when you know perfectly well the trouble that would bring down on me. You do remember that we’re in enemy territory here, Darhar Zass?

I apologise, he said, lifting his hands. I didn’t think.

The king’s wizard didn’t think about magic, Ilta said flatly.

The king’s wizard is used to doing his magic in Parling, where he doesn’t have to worry about revealing himself to enemy soldiers who have a prejudice against magic, Darhar said.

Ilta acknowledged the truth of that with a shrug.

We still need to talk, Ilta, and I don’t think we ought to do it out here on the step, do you? Darhar said.

Reluctantly, Ilta stepped back and led the way into the living room of her cottage. There, she turned to faced Darhar Zass, her arms crossed and her shoulders hunched, hostility in every line of her. She didn’t invite him to sit down.

I did not mean to insult you before, Ilta Blenn, Darhar said. There were many in the capital who disagreed with the verdict and did not believe the charges brought against you.

Yes, she said bitterly. I noticed them all rushing to my defence.

Darhar raised his hands and let them fall. They were afraid. We all knew there was corruption, but no one knew where it came from. No one knew who to trust.

So they threw me to the wolves to save their own skins, Ilta said. I already know this, Darhar Zass. If that’s what you came to talk about, I have better things to do.

Darhar held up a hand. I’ve been on a mission for the king, he said.

And what is that to do with me? Ilta said.

I think I’m being followed, and I have vital intelligence that absolutely must make it back to the king.

You think you’re being followed, so you come here, Ilta said. Quite openly, in full view of any spies who wish to take note of what you do and who you associate with. Or any neighbours who would sell their own mothers to the Norvins for the price of a keg of ale. Are you trying to get Davek and me killed?

Of course not! You don’t really think I don’t know how to conceal myself, do you?

I think you’d better make up your mind what you mean, Darhar Zass, Ilta said with a snort. On the one hand, you say you’re being followed, and in the next breath, you assure me you know how to conceal yourself. Those two observations do not go together.

Darhar Zass lifted his hands and dropped them again. I’m almost certain that someone has been following me, but I’m also sure that I’ve managed to lose him for the time being, he said. However, there is no time to lose. I need your help, Ilta, Darhar said. Yours and Davek’s.

Oh, do you? Ilta said, her tone not softening significantly. And what help would that be?

I need you to get this information to the king while I lead my tail off in another direction.

Ilta stared at him. You have got to be kidding!

Davek is an old soldier, and you know your way around Kingstown. The two of you can do this.

Davek is blind! Or as near as makes no difference. I’m banished from the capital, and both of us have creaky joints and other ailments. We’re old, Darhar Zass. Go find someone young and fit who’ll think nothing of walking for a week on end and sleeping on the ground. Someone whose knees don’t creak and who can see where they’re going. There are enough young ones around here who are dying to get to the capital. Send one of them.

I can’t trust them the way I can trust you.

Well, you’re going to have to because I have no intention of going anywhere near Kingstown. In case you’ve forgotten, I’m exiled, and I’ve no intention of facing the consequences of going back just to please you. Now, if that’s all, I’d like you to leave.

Ilta, this is important! The security of the country is at stake. I need your help.

No.

Ilta...

You could have stood up for me when I was accused, Darhar Zass. You knew full well that the charges weren’t true, and you were the one person with enough status to take a stand and not have to be afraid of the consequences. You did nothing. And now you stand there with your mealy-mouthed platitudes and expect me to risk my life and liberty to go back there and deliver your message? Get out of my house!

Ilta...

Get out!

Hunter hissed from up on top of the dresser and Missy joined him from where she crouched on the windowsill. Ilta hadn’t noticed them come in, but they were all there, she saw. Even Empress crouched in the doorway, peering around the doorpost, her green eyes fixed on Darhar Zass with a look of flat hatred, although she looked ready to bolt out of there at the first hint of danger. It was most uncharacteristic behaviour for all three of the cats.

Apparently, they didn’t think much of Darhar Zass, either. Or perhaps they were just reacting to Ilta’s evident distress and agitation. Whatever the reason, it was kind of nice to feel that she had allies. That wasn’t a feeling she was particularly used to. She must give them another treat when Darhar had gone, to show them how much she appreciated their support.

Darhar laughed. You have a bodyguard, Ilta! How touching. Perhaps they will be able to help you do what must be done.

I told you... Ilta began furiously.

And I told you, Ilta Blenn, that this is too urgent, too vital, to allow your dislike of me or your qualms about going back to the capital to derail it. This information must reach the king. It’s absolutely vital.

He took a step back and began to mutter under his breath as his hands wove in the air in front of him.

Stop! Ilta cried. She desperately began to cast a spell of her own.

But Darhar Zass wasn’t the king’s wizard for nothing. His spell flew straight through hers. It may as well not have been there at all. Darhar Zass pointed at each of the three cats and their eyes widened as the spell hit them. Then, he quickly cast another spell and pointed at Empress.

What did you just do? Ilta screamed at him.

Ilta? a new voice, a rather high-pitched female voice said from behind Ilta.

She turned in horror to look at Missy.

Ilta! Missy said happily.

Hunter jumped onto the table and strolled along to rub his head against Ilta’s hand.

Don’t you think it’s time for another treat about now? he asked, gazing up at her.

Empress just stared at her, although she advanced a few steps into the room, something that was unheard of. Normally, she would run if she thought anyone but Ilta had noticed her.

You’ve just sentenced me and the cats to death! Ilta cried.

Not if you do as I told you and go to Kingstown, Darhar Zass said. You’ll all be safe there.

Ilta picked up a vase from a shelf behind her and threw it at him, but Darhar Zass had already left the room. The vase shattered harmlessly against the wall next to the door. Empress, who was right underneath it, gave a yowl of mingled rage and fright and disappeared.

Oh, Darhar said, popping his head back in. By the way, I’ve altered them a little. They’re more intelligent now, and they’ll go where you go and not get nervous about leaving their territory. And the wild one has the message for the king. I figured that was the safest way to carry it.

He quickly disappeared before Ilta could reach for anything else to throw, and a moment later, she heard the front door close. Ilta stared at where Darhar Zass had stood for a long moment. Then, she took a deep breath and began to curse. She cursed long and fluently, winnowing through her own vocabulary and throwing in a few choice ones of Davek’s as well. Hunter and Missy prudently hid under the table out of the way.

Ilta! Empress said, sounding deeply shocked.

Ilta stopped, blushing. She rarely swore, and certainly not like this. But Darhar Zass was just so irritating! Not to mention arrogant, overbearing, egotistical, condescending...

Sorry, Empress, she murmured.

I should think so, Empress said with dignity. Swearing, throwing things, you’re definitely not your usual self today, Ilta.

Yes, well, that probably has something to do with the fact that Darhar Zass has just put all our lives in danger. The Norvins hate and fear magic. If the soldiers hear you speaking, they’ll kill you. They’ll probably think you’re some kind of familiar spirit or demon or something. And then they’ll kill me. She sighed and sank down onto a chair at the table, leaning her elbows on the table and putting her head in her hands. I just don’t know what we’re going to do.

Well, first of all, Empress said, jumping up onto the table, something she never did, we won’t speak human around anyone else. We’re not stupid, you know, Ilta.

Ilta gaped at her. You’re standing on the table, was all she could find to say.

Yes. So? Empress said.

You never get up on the table, Ilta said. You always hide or run away.

Empress shrugged her shoulders. Times change. Get used to it.

Darhar Zass really messed with you, didn’t he? Ilta said, peering into her eyes.

Empress shrugged again. Probably, she said. I don’t mind, though. Do you know how tedious it is being scared all the time? Not to mention a lot of hard work. This way’s much more comfortable.

If you females have all finished discussing Mother’s change of heart, could we get a treat now? Hunter yawned, jumping back onto the table and stretching luxuriously.

Shut up, Hunter! Empress snarled. If you’re hungry, go live up to your name and catch something. We have far more important things to discuss than your stomach.

Ooh! Touchy! Hunter sneered.

He turned with a snarl of fright and pain as Missy jumped right on his back and bit his ear.

What was that for? he yelped, shaking his head. A few drops of blood spattered the table.

Being rude to Mother, Missy said. You know better than that, Hunter. You’re so full of yourself. She sat down and began to groom herself, looking supremely unconcerned.

Hunter’s eyes went flat.

Stop it, both of you! Empress snapped. This is not playtime. We have to help Ilta.

We’re not supposed to look after Ilta, Hunter said. She’s supposed to look after us.

Empress swung around and boxed his ears soundly. "Will you grow up, you stupid kitten? she snarled. Ilta’s our person, and if she’s in trouble, it’s up to us to help her."

Why’s everybody picking on me? Hunter sulked.

Because you’re stupid, self-centred and useless, of course, Missy said as though it was the most obvious thing in the world.

I beg your pardon? Hunter snarled. Just because you think you’re Little Miss Perfect...

I said, stop it! Empress hissed. Ilta, we have to go to the place where the king is.

No, Ilta said firmly.

Ilta, we have to, Empress insisted.

No, Ilta said even more firmly.

Empress gave her a long look. Well, you may not want to, but I have to. If you won’t come, then I’ll just have to go on my own.

What? Ilta said. What are you talking about? Of course you don’t have to go to the capital.

Empress sighed. Yes, I do, she said. Your friend seems to have added a sort of compulsion to whatever he did to me. I can’t help it. I’m sorry, Ilta. I don’t want to leave you, but I have to go to the big place where the king is.

Ilta was trying to think of something to say when there was a hail from the front of the house.

Ilta? Are you in there?

Davek’s voice. Why he couldn’t just knock on the door like a normal person, Ilta really couldn’t figure out.

Not a peep out of you lot in front of visitors, she ordered sternly as she got up from the table. Empress, you’d better start pretending to be wild again.

She hurried to open the door for Davek.

Ilta, come to my place for a moment and tell me whether or not I’m going mad, Davek said.

Pardon? she said.

Never mind whether it makes sense or not, Davek said. Just come; please.

Ilta might have questioned more, but Davek sounded kind of frantic, almost panicked.

All right, but just for a moment, she said.

The two of them set off side by side. They hadn’t gone more than a few steps before all three cats appeared to accompany them. Davek chuckled.

Those cats never will let you come to my place without coming too. I think maybe they don’t trust me.

Hunter started to speak, but it quickly turned into a yowl of pain as Empress darted forward and bit his tail. Davek turned and gave Hunter a long look, even though he couldn’t really see him.

Can your cats talk? he asked Ilta.

CHAPTER THREE

What a question, Davek! Ilta scoffed.

Davek grabbed her by the arm, swinging her around to face him. No, Ilta, really. Please. Can they? Because Baby and Buddy are. I thought I was going mad, but if yours are, too...

Darhar Zass put a spell on them, Ilta sighed. He’s trying to force us to take his precious intelligence to the king. He knows perfectly well that if we stay here, we and the animals are all going to be in danger of our lives. And he’s done something extra to Empress, too. According to her, she has the information and she also has a compulsion to go and deliver it. She says if I don’t go with her, she’ll have to go on her own. She can’t help it.

I can’t, Empress said, trotting up to where the two humans walked a little ahead. I can feel it pulling at me right now. I won’t be able to resist it for much longer. It’s like something I absolutely have to do, or I’ll never be able to live with myself again.

Davek blinked at her and then turned to look at Ilta.

He seems to have made her bolder, too, Ilta said.

Well, that’s good, Davek said. He looked back down, where his failing eyesight could just make out the shadowy form of Empress walking beside Ilta. It’s nice to meet you properly at last, Empress, he said. Mostly, all I’ve ever seen of you is a streak running away from me.

I think I prefer it this way, Empress said. It makes life a lot easier and less stressful.

I imagine it does, Davek agreed.

You’re taking this awfully calmly, Ilta said.

Don’t really see that getting upset is going to achieve anything, Davek said, scratching his cheek.

It doesn’t worry you that Darhar Zass has put you and your pets in mortal danger? Ilta asked curiously.

I didn’t say it didn’t worry me, Davek said as they started up the path to his house. Just that getting all het up about it isn’t going to help.

I’m not sure that made any sense at all, Ilta said.

Of course it did, Davek said indignantly. All I’m saying is that panicking, crying, all that stuff, doesn’t help. What you need is a plan. Then you can deal with it.

And what’s your plan, then? Ilta asked, unable to quite keep the note of sarcasm out of her voice.

Go the city, of course, Davek said as though it was the most obvious thing in the world. Give the king his message and then find someone to put the animals back to normal.

What if we don’t want to go back to normal? Hunter asked. I kind of like being able to talk.

And I like not being scared all the time, Empress said.

I like being special, Missy said. I don’t want to go back.

Baby won’t want to, either, Davek said despondently. It’s going to be a nightmare. She was bad enough when she was squawking and chirping and saying a few phrases. Now that she can really talk, I’ll never have a moment’s peace.

Ilta couldn’t help it. She doubled over, hands on knees, laughing.

Davek gave her a look. I’m glad someone finds it amusing, he said sourly.

Ilta, of course, just laughed harder.

You love it, she said when she could get her breath again. You know perfectly well that you do. You love that bird like she’s your own child. She looked at Davek. What about Buddy?

Yeah, Davek sighed. He can talk, too. I can’t get any sense out of him at the moment, he’s all excited, so I don’t really know what he’ll think about changing back.

Doesn’t sound all that hopeful if he’s as excited as you say, Ilta said.

No, that’s what I figured, Davek said glumly. But anyway, he said as he opened the door and they all trooped in. He opened a large closet near the front door. Go on in and say hello to Buddy and the bird while I see to this.

What’s in there? Ilta asked.

Camping equipment, Davek said absently, still digging around in the closet. Tent, poles, cooking utensils, all that. I meant to get rid of them, but I never got around to it. Which is lucky for us now. We’ll need them if we’re to get to the city without being seen.

I have no intention of going to the city, Ilta said flatly.

Of course you do! Davek said. "Don’t be such a stubborn old baggage. You know perfectly well that you’re not going to leave those cats to be killed by the soldiers, and that means taking them to the city. Besides, it sounds as though Empress is going to go whether you do or not, and you and I both know that