Chapter 27 #2
“We only reveal ourselves to those whose choices could alter the course of history, those worthy enough to have the honor of gazing upon our faces, so it is understandable that humans would think us fictitious.” Their voice sounds like the mountain itself.
Centuries old, infinitely wise, and stone-cold.
“We have come to warn you, Daughter of Divination, if you continue down your chosen path, there will be pain, there will be devastation, there will be ruin.” The image of Caene dying in my arms flashes in my mind.
But that can’t be what they mean, can it?
They supposedly only reveal themselves to those who can change the course of history. How can that possibly be me? Be us?
“I don’t understand. How can you know that? How do you know who I am and what will happen? Isn’t that gift reserved for my blood? Gifted to us by the gods and goddesses themselves?” I ask as unease begins to bubble in my belly. I may not believe in the deities, but they sure seem to believe in me.
“We are far older than your gods.” I can hear the disdain in their voice. “We existed long before them and will exist long after your people have left this land. We see all. Past, present, and future. Heed our warning, Daughter of Divination.”
“What can I do?” I ask, voice barely above a whisper.
“Leave this land. Forget everything you have seen. Everything you have learned. Sail to a new land. Create a new life.”
My thoughts turn to Isi. I must go back for her. There is absolutely no fucking way I’m leaving her here.
“You cannot save her.”
My heart pounds. “You can read my thoughts?”
“We see all, Daughter of Divination. What was done to your kin has upset the balance of magic in this land. It has begun to harmonize once again. We have seen your powers returning to you, but if you continue down this path, the balance may shift once again. If you perish, there will be chaos.”
My heart stutters but I take a deep breath, a moment to think. “You said I can’t save her. Save her from what?” I ask, not needing to elaborate. I can feel Caene’s gaze on me.
“These are answers we cannot give. We were bound by your gods and goddesses to never reveal what is to come. We already risk much by telling you what we have.”
“Then why tell me anything? Why interfere?”
They ignore my questions.
“We will take one final risk and disorient the two identical men pursuing you. They will not catch you in these mountains. Good luck, Daughter of Divination.” Their faces melt into the rock quickly.
“No! Wait!” I screech, reaching for them.
It’s too late. They’re gone. I scream in frustration, bending to pick up a loose stone.
I throw it at the patch of rock face where they were.
I pick up another and another, losing myself in my fury.
I rage at the rock wall, pouring all of my frustrations and fear, all my trauma, into it.
Stone after stone breaks against the wall and clatters to the ground, my cries echoing all around me.
I reach for another, but Caene’s hand wraps gently around my wrist.
“That’s enough, Aelavi. Probably best not to piss off the all-knowing mountain spirits,” he says with a small smile, his eyes swimming with concern and pity I don’t need or want.
“Why not? They pissed me off.” I wipe the tears from my eyes. Anger still simmers in my blood, but it’s joined by a fear like I’ve never known. The combination is sucking away any energy and fight in my body the way a gijire sucks blood. “What do I do?” I whisper.
“I can’t tell you that, little Aelavi.” He sighs, tucking a loose strand of hair behind my ear. “This is a decision you have to make for yourself.”
I walk back to the horse grazing on the sparse grass on the side of the road and run my hand along his neck, thinking.
“What’s his name?” I ask, referring to the horse.
“I didn’t ask.” Caene’s voice has moved close behind me.
“I like the name Bazil,” I say, trying and failing to clear my head enough to make a decision.
“Bazil’s a good name,” he says, his hands falling heavily on my shoulders.
“If I leave, your family will pursue me. Will use those I love against me.” It isn’t a question, but he answers anyway.
“Yes. My father won’t give up easily. He always gets what he wants, and right now, that’s you.”
I sigh, picking up Bazil’s head with his bridle, brushing his mane out of his eyes.
“I can’t. I won’t leave. I won’t run. I doubt I will ever know peace within myself if I do.
I will not let the godsdamn Exalted run me out of my home.
No matter the cost.” I won’t abandon Isi either; I don’t care what the Frai say. They shouldn’t even exist!
“And if that cost is your life?” Caene asks.
“What if the cost was yours? Would you flee?”
His hands tighten on my shoulders. “No,” he growls.
I release Bazil’s head and turn to look him in the eyes, pouring all of the conviction and confidence I don’t exactly feel into my voice. “I will not run. If that means my life is forfeit, so be it.”
Caene runs his hands from my shoulders to my elbows, squeezing slightly, leaving goosebumps in their wake, and nods. “I’m with you, Aelavi.”
“Why?” I ask him. I still can’t figure out why he’s sticking with me.
He shrugs. “Someone has to keep you alive. You heard what the Frai said. If the balance shifts, if you die, chaos reigns. I’m not letting that happen. You’re not getting rid of me Vayna.”
He drops his hands, giving me a half-smile. My heart flips over in my chest.
Traitor.
I narrow my eyes at him. I’m sure he’s still hiding something but I’m far too tired, too overwhelmed, to press the issue.
Besides, the truth is, despite my reluctance, I could use his help.
I need to grasp my powers. I need to learn to use them to my advantage if I have any hope of getting out of this alive, of getting all of us out of this alive, and he has knowledge and experience very few others do. I need him.
I lift my chin, standing up taller. “We continue as planned. We go to Kanas and hone my powers, then we return to Kalsevden and end this.” I see the same conviction I feel mirrored in Caene’s eyes. We do this together.