Malin – Meant to Be #5
Bratha refilled her cup, then leaned in.
“I’m not sure how much I can help with your mother, but my husband…
or his brother… might have an answer. I’m not sure what role Darik has in the council, but he seems a good, fair man.
He always takes care of Therin. He will help if he can.
If anyone in Fellspire can get you what you need, it’s him. ”
Malin perked up, hope fluttering behind her ribs. “I’m trying to understand what my Mom wanted me to do here. She sent me a dream directing me here. That must be where she wants me to go. How soon can we…” She yawned, trying to cover her mouth, but failing miserably.
The abrupt clang of the bell above the door cut her off.
Two women entered, bundled in thick shawls and already flushed with cold and local gossip.
They both froze the second they spotted Malin.
Their eyes flicked suspiciously to the window, then back to the table, before one whispered something sharp behind her palm.
“Good morning, Ms. Bratha,” the taller woman called, though her gaze remained fixed on the window. “Who is that outside?”
Bratha glanced at Malin with a conspiratorial smile. “This is my niece. She is visiting from the capital, and it seems she has brought a friend.”
The women eagerly peered through the glass.
Outside, Jacien was leaning against the wall, arms crossed as he scanned the street.
The shorter woman grinned, pitching her voice loud enough to carry across the room.
“He looks a little chilly out there. Maybe he wants to come in to warm up. Is he your friend or your slave?”
Malin’s face burned hot. She cleared her throat, forcing a polite tone. “He is not my slave. He is my friend, and he did not want to come inside.”
“Friend, huh?” The taller woman winked overtly. “Does that mean he is available?”
Suppressing a groan, Malin lied without missing a beat. “He is married to a good friend of mine. He just did not want me traveling alone.”
“That is one lucky woman, then,” the shorter one sighed as they finally took a seat at a nearby table.
“I am going to suggest he go to the tavern for some food,” Malin announced, eager to defuse the situation. She stepped toward the door.
Bratha nodded approvingly. “It is freezing today. He will definitely be more comfortable there.”
Pushing the door open, Malin welcomed the stinging slap of the cold air. Jacien straightened immediately, looking expectant.
“You are drawing attention, and not in a good way,” she warned him quietly. “It is just my aunt and two older ladies in there. I can handle it. You would probably rather be at the tavern anyway.”
Jacien flashed a knowing grin. “If you are certain you are safe, I will go.”
Malin snorted. “I will be fine.”
With a crisp nod, he stepped off the stoop and strolled off toward the tavern.
Malin lingered outside a moment, watching the frost turn to glitter on the rooftops as the sun began its ascent. The first few market vendors were dragging out their carts and crates.
Bratha wiped down the table and poured Malin a cup. “Would you join me for some tea? I’d love to learn all about you,” she asked, eyes never leaving Malin’s face.
“I would love more tea, but I really need to understand why my mom sent me to you.”
“My husband will be home in a few hours. We can discuss when he gets back from his trip to the Hold.”
“He goes to Fellspire?”
“Oh yes. He goes almost every week. Sometimes twice. He must file his reports, and his brother likes to meet with him,” she said with a toothy smile. As much as Malin would like to know about the device, it seemed she would have to wait.
She decided to make the best of her time with her aunt and learn about her. They talked for over an hour before her yawns started to affect the conversation.
She was amazed at how much her mom had told Bratha in their letters. Her mom had told her about Caelum, how well Ellie was performing in school, and the little details in between. Some things Malin didn’t think her mom knew. She must have learned through mind-reading.
She really needed to learn how to better block her mind.
“Dear. You look tired. Would you like to take a nap in the house?”
Malin thought about this. She was worried about her wild siphon magic.
“I could use the sleep, but I’m having some issues with wild magic in pregnancy.
I would hate to burn down your house.” She decided it was better to focus on her flame magic than worry her aunt with siphon magic. “I’ll stay at the tavern.”
“You are pregnant! How lovely. It must be early. You don’t show a bit. Are you having trouble with wild magic? Have you got your amulet?”
“I’m sorry. I don’t know what you refer to.”
“Silly me. Media didn’t have magic, so you wouldn’t have needed it.
Most Elves can control their magic through pregnancy, so Mellyrn probably didn’t have them either.
Fellspire is mostly human, so we needed to find a solution.
Few women have that strong of magic, so they aren’t widely needed, but it’s possible to find amulets charmed with spells.
They stop your magic from working while you wear it.
You can take it off, and your magic works just fine.
They don’t last very long. You can tell how much power it has left by looking at the glow.
It will lose… They are very hard to get your hands on. ”
Bratha pulled out the velvet bag. “I can’t even imagine where your mother smuggled this out of, but she sent it to me. She said it was an ancient null-stone and very strong. She said her prophecy told her I would need it one day and to keep it hidden until someone truly needed it.”