The Trahiad Read online

  Elisa clenched her fists tighter. Five hundred rungs? She knew why he didn’t have to explain what would happen if she slipped. Instead of that thought scaring her, it made her even more excited.

  “Understood,” she said. Then she began her slow descent.

  The water from the waterfall drenched her as she began her climb down. It was refreshing, and it convinced her it was washing away the dirt and grime of the sewers. She wondered if it was dirty, but as she climbed down the ladder, all she could smell was clean water and wet metal. Are we even in the sewers anymore?

  She climbed down for what felt like forever, but she didn’t mind. She knew every step was one step closer to the Trahiad.

  Eventually her feet struck the ground.

  “You made it. Now only a few more,” the toothy grinned man said.

  “A few more?” Elisa asked incredulously. “How much further is this place?”

  No one answered her, and instead they pushed her from behind to get moving again. She started forward, wondering how much further she had to go. Eventually the sound of the waterfall faded, and she tried to distract herself again by counting her steps. After some time they reached another waterfall, and they followed a similar process. Then a short time later another. Her arms and legs protested with fatigue, and she wondered how far they had traveled.

  Finally, they came to a stop, and the same smelly fingers grabbed at the sackcloth and pulled it from her head. Light blinded her, and she raised a hand to shade her eyes from the sudden light. But as her eyes adjusted, she lowered her hand, and her mouth dropped open in astonishment.

  There was a giant cavern, hundreds of feet wide and just as tall, and probably ten times as deep, that shimmered with light from an unknown source. Giant stalactites hung from the ceiling, and massive stalagmites rose from the ground, both catching the reflection of the light and causing it to shimmer throughout the cavern and illuminate the entire space. It was nearly as light as day!

  She looked for the source of light and saw something hanging from one stalagmite closest to her, and her wonder grew. It was a smokeless torch held by a sconce carved into the rock formation itself. She looked across the formations and saw dozens—no, hundreds—of the torches illuminating the entire cavern.

  Her mouth dropped again as she saw beyond the rock formations to the cavern itself and what it housed within.

  “It’s a city!” Wyatt exclaimed in shock.

  “The city of thieves,” Elisa said in astonishment. She couldn’t believe what she was seeing. She had heard that the Trahiad lived in an immaculate city, but she had never guessed that they lived in an immaculate city underground! She had figured they were being led to the Trahiad headquarters, not their home! She closed her eyes and shook her head to clear it. Then she opened her eyes back up, and to her astonishment she saw the same thing.

  Colossal buildings lined up neatly against cobblestone streets that disappeared beyond their view. They built the buildings with elaborate architecture on stone foundations that elevated them above the water. It amazed her at how high they built the buildings. Whereas most buildings in Alderidon were several stories high, these were almost a dozen stories high and nearly reached the ceiling of the cavern. And they were everywhere. How big is this city?

  The streets themselves were cobblestone, and next to them were what looked like rivers. At first Elisa thought they were the sewers, but as she glanced to the water closest to her, she realized that the water was crystal clear. The rivers flowed alongside the roadways and spread throughout the city in clean order. She wondered if they were manmade. But then she saw their source. Toward the far end of the cavern were two majestic waterfalls that fell several hundred feet before nestling into a lake on the far side. They were breathtaking. What is this magical place?

  Then she noticed the inhabitants. People were bustling throughout the city, moving between buildings with carts and supplies, just as if they were on the streets of Alderidon above. And their apparel shocked her. She was expecting them to be a rough group of thieves similar to the ones who had captured them, but many of these were… families. She saw a mother and her two children quickly cross a street as a cart full of supplies came barreling down it. They are families. This is their home! Several of the citizens caught sight of the newcomers and waved. The Trahiad, she thought. I knew it was a better place, but this?

  She could have never imagined.

  “Welcome to the Trahiad,” a melodious baritone voice said to her side. The voice was mesmerizing. It was perfect. “A city of misfits and castoffs, but one that cares for its kind. Welcome to the Jewels of Alderidon. Be privileged that your eyes have witnessed it, for few have, and far more never will.”

  She turned and her jaw dropped again as she regarded the most handsome man she’d ever seen. He stood as proud as a statue, one hand resting on the hilt of a magnificent draestl sword, and the other pressed against his hip. She stammered at his clothing, which was fine enough for King Maydyn. Then a thought occurred to her. I wonder if it belongs to King Maydyn! These are thieves after all!

  But then she noticed the emblems etched into the coat. The coat was red and had the Trahiad mark embroidered along its length. She caught his eyes as he looked at her, and he smiled. Curse me, did my heart just flutter?

  As he walked toward her she was surprised at the long black shiny hair that fell past his shoulders, but more surprised that it didn’t bother her. Normally it did—long hair is for girls—but on him, it looked… perfect.

  He reached behind his fine coat and pulled out a perfect rose.

  “For you, my sweet, beautiful woman,” he said as he bowed slightly and extended the rose.

  Elisa looked around to see who the rose was intended for and then felt her jaw drop as she realized he was extending it to her.

  “Grab it, Elisa,” Wyatt whispered harshly. “You want to insult Racin Poe? Grab the flower. Grab the bloody flower!”

  She wasn’t sure why Wyatt was getting upset until she realized she was staring at Racin Poe. Racin Poe? Offering me a flower? She’d heard rumors that he was gorgeous beyond description, but she had always assumed they were exaggerations, and last night she hadn’t noticed. Probably the darkness, because now that I can see him… She forced the thought to stop as her cheeks blushed.

  “Not one for flowers? No worries,” Racin said as he stood up and tossed the rose to the side.

  Elisa reached for the flower but pulled back quickly, watching the flower drop to the ground. Curse me for being a fool! I lost my chance at that perfect flower!

  “Elisa and Wyatt Ander, I presume?” Racin asked.

  Always, Elisa thought.

  “Yes, sir,” Wyatt answered, glaring at Elisa. Elisa looked at Wyatt, confused, and then had a horrific thought. Wait, did I just say ‘always’ out loud? Her cheeks flushed brighter.

  “Elisa is… a… nervous one?” Racin asked Wyatt, not even looking at her anymore.

  A nervous one? Elisa felt her enchantment with Racin vanish and it was replaced with a massive desire to hit the man. She stepped forward, her brow furled and her fists on her hips. “Wait, a second. A nervous one? You came walking in here wearing something that should only be worn to a feast! And not just walking! You were waltzing, what with your hips swinging back and forth suggestively and all. Then you start spouting sweet nothings with that magical voice of yours, and then to top it off, you offer me a flower while paralyzing me with your perfect, blue eyes! How did you expect me to react? I’m sure I’m not the first woman you’ve tried to seduce!”

  Racin stepped back with a start, Wyatt went rigid, and some thieves nearby put their hands on the hilts of their weapons. Elisa looked at each of them in confusion, then felt her face blush brighter and hotter than ever before. “Did I just say all of that out loud?”

  Wyatt nodded, a look of fear etched across his face.

  Elisa nearly fainted, but Racin reached forward and grabbed her hand, a smile cracking across his lips. “Y
ou said that out loud,” he said calmly, using his other hand to calm the thieves. He pulled her close. “Though I wasn’t trying to seduce you.”

  “Good, you are old enough to be my father, you know,” she said flatly. Wyatt stammered, and again she blushed as she realized what she said. Dear Creator, what is wrong with me?

  Racin let out another laugh. “Come, Elisa Ander, the cute girl with a quick mind, and a flashy temper,” he added. He reached for her hand, but she pulled it back. “Fine, come along without help. We need to join the others,” he said with another laugh, and they started down the cobblestone path and into the city.

  They followed silently, though Wyatt’s eyes were trying to bore a hole into the back of her head. Elisa refused to look at him, unwilling to do anything to rock her emotions. She felt like she wanted to hit someone, and at the same time wanted to break down and cry. I can’t screw this up. We need the Trahiad.

  After a time Elisa started observing the city and its inhabitants again. The city itself was immaculate. They walked by a courtyard that had an enormous statue of carved musicians in the middle that doubled as a water fountain. As the fountain shot water into the air, she realized that they synchronized it with music that was being played by several musicians nearby. At first Elisa wondered if it was an illusion until she saw a fourth man tapping his foot against a lever every time the music struck. The craftsmanship and engineering of the structure impressed her. These aren’t all thieves…

  The people were friendly as she walked by, with several stopping and waving their welcome, and others bowing before hustling along to accomplish their chores. But no one was angry. No one was impatient. No one seemed focused on themselves.

  “It’s different down here,” Racin explained as he saw her regarding them. “They aren’t afraid of laws restricting their freedom, or of their possessions being stolen,” Racin explained.

  “Huh?” Elisa asked as she shifted her focus from the city to Racin.

  “The reason they are so calm and happy. The reason they give you respect. The reason they are polite. The reason all of those things occur here is because you are among a society built on values everyone believes in! And we adhere to those values. We allow only the trusted to enter, and as a result, we have a state of happiness and safety. Not like above,” he said with a disgusted look as he glanced upward.

  “It’s remarkable,” Wyatt replied, obviously in awe at the city.

  “The Trahiad isn’t just an organization,” Racin continued. “I know those above call us a bunch of thieves, but I call us a family, forced to become thieves because of our circumstances. But rather than fight and steal for no purpose, we do it for the good of the poor and the weak. We do it for the good of those who can’t help themselves. Like Mistress Cauth.”

  “You protect her?” Elisa asked.

  Racin nodded. “Of course. She allows us to use her shop, and we in turn protect her. Do you really think a blind woman selling flowers could survive this long? Up there?”

  Elisa noticed how he kept mentioning up there. Like there was something inherently wrong. There is. I’ve lived up there my entire life and am lucky to still be alive.

  “So instead of up there being the only option to survive in this world, we’ve created an alternative place to live. Not all who join the Trahiad wish to live here, in the Jewels of Alderidon, but all would be welcome. Any who prove themselves worthy that is.”

  The last statement made Elisa nervous. As she regarded the entire city they walked through, she realized just how much she wanted to join them. The organization of it amazed her. There were homes, a merchant district that rivaled Stith Street up above, draestlry shops, a dralchemist shop, and even a building that looked like a barracks. I think they have an army down here!

  “It really is remarkable,” Wyatt repeated. “The organization is impeccable. It’s as if it’s an entire city, right underneath Alderidon!”

  Racin laughed. “We’re further away from Alderidon than you’d think, but close enough that we can be there within the day. But what makes it work is our values. Any who will live with our values, and can pass the test to enter, is welcome. It’s our strict adherence to these values that make the Jewels of Alderidon work. Only people who want to be here, and have proven themselves capable of being here, may stay. When everyone is working on a common goal, it’s amazing what you can accomplish.”

  “Fascinating,” Elisa said. They looked happy. This is what I’ve always wanted.

  “How have you done it?” Wyatt asked. “I mean you’ve created an entire city!”

  “It’s been years of hard work,” Racin said. “We’ve been at this close to twenty years. Since before either of you were born, that’s for sure.”

  “Since you left the Order, right?” Elisa challenged.

  Racin raised an eyebrow, and she noticed a flash of anger, so she didn’t ask what she was about to. I am curious why he left.

  “That’s right,” Racin answered after he composed himself. “You’re a curious one, aren’t you, Elisa Ander?”

  “She’s trying to ruin this for us,” Wyatt grimaced.

  But Racin laughed. “Ruin? Come now, Mr. Ander. Curiosity is a prized attribute in the Trahiad. We’re here to bring justice, mercy, and protection to all who enter. Curiosity plays a perfect role in accomplishing those vital objectives. But, to answer your question, that is how we’ve done this. We cultivate attributes we value, like curiosity, and we get rid of those that don’t fit. Now come, we are almost to the others! Don’t want to give them an advantage over you.”

  “Advantage?” Elisa asked.

  Racin stopped and regarded her. “Yes, advantage. You’re competing against ten others to be exact. Didn’t you read the riddle? The riddle practically spelled it out. We’ve invited others, like you,” he explained as she shot up a confused eyebrow. “Invited to see if they are worthy to join us. We invite several parties who have proven themselves on the streets above, and only the worthy will enter. Come, you’ll see.”

  She watched him move forward, but felt a sense of betrayal. We are competing? She had assumed that as long as they were part of the twelve that it would guarantee acceptance into the Trahiad. But it’s twelve people competing to join the order? Doubt filled her mind, and she shook her head to clear her thoughts. I can do this. She looked at Wyatt and saw the same look of determination on his face. We have to do this.

  They arrived at an amphitheater that was nestled between two large stalagmites, and it was filled with villagers—members of the Trahiad—seated on rows of benches that were carved from the stone floor. At the bottom was a large stage where men and women were standing anxiously as they waited for something to start. Elisa knew immediately that she was looking at her competition because they shared the same longing look in their eyes. They want to belong here just as much as we do.

  “Join the others,” Racin commanded as they reached the stage, and Elisa moved with Wyatt to the far side to join the others. She counted them as they approached and felt her chest tighten.

  Racin moved to the front of the stage and began. We were the last two, Elisa realized as she counted ten already on stage. She knew they had been lost for some time, but was shocked they had almost missed the opportunity completely. Only twelve may enter. From the relieved look on Wyatt’s face, she knew he understood just how close they had been. No wonder we got a personal escort… we were nearly late…

  “You twelve,” Racin said as he regarded them each. “Are only twelve of one hundred invitations we sent.”

  Elisa shook her head in disbelief. We barely made it. But she also felt a smile cross her lips. We’ve already beaten eighty-eight other people. Ha!

  “But the invitation was only a right to witness the true majesty of the Trahiad! To behold the Jewels of Alderidon!” Racin exclaimed as he raised both hands high into the air. As if on cue, torches in sconces on the stalagmites grew brighter, and Elisa joined the others as she let out a glee of awe and they app
lauded the spectacle.

  “What have you thought so far?” Racin asked.

  Elisa opened her mouth to answer until she realized it was a rhetorical question and slammed her mouth shut quickly. Dragon’s blood, get control!

  “Is the Trahiad something you want to join? Do you want peace? Liberation from the brutal streets of the Slums? The kingdom above has forsaken you. Their magistrates are holding you prisoners within the confines of your own streets. I’d say homes, but you don’t have homes, do you? Well, as members of the Trahiad, you will have homes. You will have a family. You will have freedom!”

  The twelve let out a unified cheer. Elisa felt hot tears form in her eyes. She batted them away quickly and tried to think of something else to keep from crying. Keep it together!

  Racin lowered his hands, and the twelve grew quiet. “Well, my friends. The opportunity to share this grand life, the opportunity to become one of the Trahiad, is now available for two of you.”

  Elisa looked at Wyatt, and they shared a dreadful look. “Two?” she mouthed.

  Wyatt nodded, then turned back toward Racin.

  “A challenge I beset upon each of you. Who knows what the Trahiad symbol means?”

  Elisa thrust her hand into the air, and then blurted out the answer, not willing to let someone else answer before her. “Justice, mercy, and protection! Justice because as a member of the Trahiad you will never, ever, do something wrong and not pay the price for it. You will also extend justice to those who come in contact with you, ensuring that they pay for the wrongs they committed. Mercy, because it is only by the hands of mercy that the Trahiad exists. You will extend mercy where it fits, giving others the benefit of the doubt, but remember, we must serve justice. And finally, protection. Protection is created by enabling a solid balance between justice and mercy. And once that balance is established, protection can foster and grow.”

  She clapped her mouth shut, her eyes hot with tears, and her entire frame shaking. She realized she was yelling out passionately, but she didn’t care. She believed in those words. She had been the victim of her own miserable situation for far too long. Justice? It was a thing of dreams. Mercy? The only mercy she had experienced was the mercy of the streets, which was always given to whoever was the strongest. Protection? She had Wyatt, but who protected him? She wanted those things more than anything else.