Chapter 13 #2
The Riverians’ moods are slippery as moonbeams – impossible to pin down. Famously mercurial, changeable as the choppy, reef-riddled waters that surround their isles. I can’t be sure which way they’ll cast their vote.
‘This has not been an easy decision.’ He weighs his words carefully.
‘We’re wary of the sudden appearance of this letter, have doubts over its authenticity and the reliability of its contents.
Not to mention the prudence of sending able tribe-members on a far-flung mission of long duration, with such slim chance of success, while we have pressing need of them at home. ’
I reach again for the starstone. Ballast against the blow that’s surely coming.
‘But, sure as tides, there has been a change of late, I won’t deny it.
Violent storms lash our isles, water-blight claims ever more lives.
Desperate pilgrims seeking a cure swarm the Shimmering Sound, but now even our sacred lake – despite its core of purifying lustralis coral – is clotted with poisoned algae.
’ Lakyn worries at his wizened arm, sighs deeply.
‘All this considered, we’ve decided to send a representative with you. ’
I make the sign of the Star, release a slow breath.
‘My daughter is courageous and resourceful, an uncommonly skilled navigator. She was to take command of the Laragona fleet but has deferred this honour to answer your call.’
As Lakyn looks down at Maris, her chin dips. A frown puckers her forehead.
A reluctant martyr.
‘She’ll serve you well.’ Lakyn’s voice cracks. ‘And I’m comforted by the knowledge that Delphine will accompany and protect her.’ He looks at the pearlsprite, his hard stare admonishing. ‘Time alone will tell if we’ve chosen wisely tonight.’
Lakyn sits heavily and embraces his daughter.
Maris’ shoulders shake as she clings to him.
My throat thickens. My father has never held me like that.
I hate the broken part of me that still craves his love.
When they pull apart, both their faces are pale and tear-tracked. I’ve never seen a grown man cry before.
The relief Lakyn’s words should inspire doesn’t come.
The challenge I meet when I look at Maris, the flash of those defiant blue eyes when I incline my head towards her in thanks, knocks me off my axis.
I remember the prick of her spear at my throat.
But I’ll have to find a way to make this work.
If it means a chance to prove myself and save my mother, I’ll make bedfellows of vipers.
And speaking of snakes in the grass… I grit my teeth and turn to the Arcuri brothers.
Blayze takes his time standing up. He takes even longer surveying the room. He’s still chewing the bark, the rhythmic movement of his jaw grating on my nerves.
‘I chose to face the wrath of the clans because I was curious. What provoked the high and mighty Star-Led to use their Flarestone, to condescend to seek our help?’
Blayze pauses. He glances over his shoulder at his brother and then back at me, his eyes full of hatred, yet searching too. I look away, cursing myself for being so spineless, for allowing him to unsettle me.
‘My brother doesn’t think we should accompany you on this search. He doesn’t trust you, Sparkles.’ He winks at me.
I clench my hands into fists. I swear if he calls me that one more time…
‘He questions why we should risk our lives to help you, when no helping hand was ever extended to us. Where was Estelia – where were any of you – after Arden disappeared? When Oralia was ripping itself apart in civil war? Where were you when my forefathers put down the rebellions? Many lives were lost, lives that could have been saved if the other realms had come to our aid. But you were too busy hoarding supplies, fortifying your borders…’ Blayze is chafing his ring again.
Sister, save me. This will all come to nothing.
‘However…’ He pauses, milking this moment for all it’s worth.
‘Oralia is not a democracy and I’ve decided to accompany you myself.
The clans were never meant to be caged like beasts, denied sunlight, denied fresh air.
We belong in our burnished cities, in our training centres.
If there’s a chance to free my people from the Necropole, restore their dignity, then that will be my legacy.
’ Blayze turns to his brother. ‘You’ll return home, ensure my position is not challenged in my absence. ’
My legs turn to jelly. My ears start to buzz.
I’ve done it. Despite my father’s disapproval, despite my own fears, I’ve survived the judgement of the bells.
Kyden says nothing, but clenches his jaw.
‘If it’s a mistake, then it’s my mistake. I’m willing to pay the price for it, brother. Live by the Flame, die by the Flame.’ Blayze grunts. ‘You’d do well to remember the vow of obedience you swore when I took command of the clans.’
‘I remember. But that doesn’t mean I won’t speak out if I think it’s in our best interests – or do you wish me to become a mindless sycophant like that stuffed peacock over there?’ Kyden jerks his head towards Astrophel.
Astrophel’s breath catches. He reaches for his sword.
‘And what do I tell our people?’ Kyden continues. ‘That you’re on a treasure hunt with our sworn enemies, while Oralia sinks to its knees? There are many who’d consider that a hanging offence.’
The brothers face each other, shoulders squared, chests jutting, fists tightly curled. Serafine repositions herself on Blayze’s shoulder, poised to defend him, even against his own brother.
‘The less said the better,’ Blayze mutters. ‘Tell them I’m dealing with matters of state.’
Kyden shakes his head. ‘If you say so.’
He clasps the top of his brother’s arm in some gesture of farewell and turns to leave, but Blayze grips him by the shoulders, bringing their brows together.
‘Burn bright, brother.’
Kyden pulls away roughly and leaves the Rotunda without a backward glance. Blayze glowers after him, chafing his ring. Chomping harder than ever on the bark between his teeth.
I clear my throat and stand. Regret it instantly. My legs are wobbly.
‘The Council of Four is concluded,’ I manage to croak out.
‘Detailed plans will need to be drawn up, proper training provided for traversing our hills and peaks, for defending ourselves against the predators that range there, but if there are no further questions at present, I declare this assembly at an end. Discussions can continue in a less formal setting. Those of you not numbering among the Quaternity are free to return home, or welcome to remain as guests of the Crystal Court until such time as preparations are concluded and our search can commence.’
I look at the group of strangers whose futures are now irrevocably bound to my own. We won’t tarry in Meissa. I want to put distance between the Outrealmers and my father at the earliest possible opportunity. Living beneath one roof is asking for trouble.
It’ll be a miracle if everyone makes it out alive.
*
ASTROPHEL AND I linger until Watchers arrive to take those Outrealmers remaining to their quarters, and escort those returning home to the Barrier.
When we’re finally alone, his shoulders drop.
‘Well, you got your way. The King will be thrilled.’
I don’t rise to his bait, but I’m dreading the conversation I’ll have to have with my father. The threat he issued in the Bindery echoes in my memory, ominous as a death-knell.
‘The Clanschief will cause trouble.’
I sit straighter. ‘I can handle Blayze Arcuri.’
Astrophel’s eyes snap up. ‘You’ll leave the sand-rat to me. I’ll soon knock him off his high horse.’
He stands to leave. I’d like nothing more than for him to go, but I still have a last favour to ask. I swallow and gather my courage.
‘Will you convince my father to let the Xylian healers examine my mother?’
I reach for his hand. He flinches but doesn’t pull away.
‘Please.’ The word is small. Cracked. It hovers in the strained silence between us. Eventually, Astrophel nods and stalks away into the night, hands shoved deep in his pockets.
I allow him a head start, in no mood to make awkward conversation. Once I’m sure he’s a safe distance away, I take a last look around the Rotunda, everything that’s happened here already hazy, like a half-remembered dream.
As I pass through the graceful columns, under the moon-arch and down the steps, darkness blankets the gardens, but my moonsight, a Sister-given sharpening in my vision whenever I’m in the presence of the lunar spheres, allows me to see.
I’m alone save for the Watchers stationed by the palace doors.
Still, for one brief second, I could swear someone – something – is watching me from the shadows.
That smoke hangs thick once more in the air.