Chapter Twenty-Six
Chapter Twenty-Six
Sierra
The roads got worse, the towns more desolate. Fear rode right alongside the winter wind that swept through every square inch of Titus. Every village we passed through was much of the same: the brink of starvation, sickness, death. Its song sang in every direction: weeping, always weeping.
It was the darkest time I’d ever known, a darkness I never could have conjured up in my own nightmares. Hope had packed its bags and left dread in its place. In the bigger cities, the people barely had the energy left to rise up and cry out their fears and needs to their respective leaders. There were no merchants, no trading. Food stores had been either ransacked or spread out to those who had nothing, those who had never thought to plan for such desperate times.
In less than three weeks the whole world had changed.
Lucius had procured us forty cervos at a ranch on the way to Jasperella Trail, where we had no choice but to head east. The plan had originally been to pass through the Arubian Forest, meet up with those Ongahri who would take care of the weapon in the Garrian Mountains. But a storm had made the trek impassable, even with the cervos we rode. A scout had been waiting for our arrival and had given word that the men who were heading toward the weapon were being held up in a little town to the west of the mountain. It was there that some of the Ongahri in our party left, promising to meet up as soon as they could when we reached the Basilica.
It was also there that Lucius announced we would be traveling through Providence, would head north to Syrus Crossing and onto Great Mountain. Not to Goth Mor Helle, but straight into the mouth of the Owl.
If all went as planned, we’d be at the Basilica in three weeks’ time. It was looking more like four.
Aside from the frostiness between Fadon and Lucius, I enjoyed being with the Ongahri. Ever since I had been rescued, and especially after that day in Tarma, the Ongahri looked at me with tremendous respect, bringing me choice meats, assisting me with anything they felt I needed, always with a smile. It made Lucius growl a bit, and Demos more vigilant, but in all, I think my mates were pleased that I had so many people keeping an eye on me.
It was with a weary yet excited heart that I cast my eyes on the familiar landscape of home. Providence. Tears pooled in my eyes, instantly freezing in the cold air that blew on my face. Lucius’ arms were around me, and around the both of us was a thick blanket of wool. Inside the warm cocoon, I squeezed his free hand and took in the vast land where I had been born.
We rode up to the gate and waited for the guards to appear. A door opened from the guardhouse, and I saw a bundled-up Claudius come shuffling out with a yawn, rubbing his gloved hands and blowing on them for warmth. He did a double take as he took us in, eyeing the Ongahri mounted on gray cervos, whose antlers were just now coming in. I laughed at his gawking.
“Pull ahead, if you can, Lucius,” I said to my mate, pulling down the scarf that warmed my face. When we were nose to nose with the gate, I sat up taller. “Claudius Solan. How are you?”
“Miss—Lady Sierra? Is that really you?” The rosy cheeks widened as he smiled. All he could see of me was my face, since everything else was covered up. He slapped his thigh and hollered out to someone in the guardhouse, then opened the gate.
“Aren’t you a sight to behold, Lady Linden—uh.. Lady Trajan, in’t it now?”
“Lady Dega, actually.”
He was too well mannered to inquire further, and just waved his hand. “Well come on in!” He stared at Lucius behind me, then Fadon, then the other Ongahri. “We received a messenger saying you were expected, but… It truly is good to see you. I’ll send Augustus up to your father’s and let him know you’re here, milady.”
“Thank you, Claudius. And good to see you, too.”
He blushed and dropped his eyes, then stood out of the way as our entourage went forward into the town proper.
Not much had changed in the time I’d been gone. Last time I was here, the leaves were red and ocher, the scent of winter-to-come had been in the air, and Providence had a lazy smile about it as it recovered from a long harvest and celebration.
Now there was barely a soul in sight, and the only sounds around came from the slushing hooves of our mounts as we made our way to the stables, where Lucius and I would ride past and go directly to my father’s.
In less than a few minutes I’d finally see my parents, and the thought of it had me grabbing the reins from Lucius. With a chuckle, he kissed my cheek and held on tight while we rode the rest of the way to where my heart longed to be.
Home.
As soon as my feet hit the gravel, I was running through the double doors and tossing off my winter gear, unwinding wool scarves, unbundling myself of cloak and gloves. The house was so blessedly warm and smelled like cinnamon and nutmeg. I ran past a surprised Hannah, turned the corner, and opened the sitting room door. Then froze, a wide smile on my face. Mother was sitting on the divan, her hands holding her knitting, needle poised in mid-hook.
“Sierra?” She stood slowly.
“Mother.” I ran straight into her arms and both of us were crying and laughing at the same time. She rocked me and held me tight, petting my hair, touching my face.
“Gods, is it really you?” she asked, pulling away to look upon me with bright, wet blue eyes that swept every inch of my face. When they landed on my hair, they widened. “Sierra! What on Titus did you do to your hair, child? And… your eyes… their color… what—”
“I can explain later. Oh, Mother. I’ve missed you so much. Where’s Father?”
“He’s in the study, I imagine. I can’t wait—” she cut off, looking behind me. Her hand held tightly in mine lest I disappear, she looked back at me. “Is this your husband?”
“Mother, this is Lucius Dega of House Dega. Yes, my husband.” It was then that her gaze went to my osnat, a very different osnat than the one I’d worn when she’d last seen me.
Her mouth formed the words of Lucius’ name. “I see.”
I doubted that but smiled.
“A pleasure to meet you… Lord Dega.” She bowed her head.
Lucius stepped up beside me, his silver eyes dancing. “Likewise, Lady Linden. I can see now where my wife gets her beauty.” He bowed deeply at her, and I watched as my mother blushed. Lucius was quite a handsome man, but it was that voice that could arrest a woman’s senses. His charm was just the lovely garnish on top.
“Sierra?” Father didn’t even give me time to breathe before he was pulling me into his arms. His familiar scent of piped tobacco, old books, and ink hit me like a ton of bricks, and my tears instantly came back as I buried my face into the crook of his neck.
“Oh, Father. I’ve miss—missed you so much.”
“Child. What are you doing here? I knew to expect the Ongahri but…” He was staring at my white hair, my strange eyes, trying to figure it out. “What…”
A throat cleared from the doorway, and I pulled away reluctantly and faced the door. Fadon, Demos, Ander, and Pateus had come in, Fadon looking at me expectantly. It was time for introductions. I took a deep breath.
“Father, Mother, you remember Captain Trajan? And Servant Demos, of course. This is Prince Lysander Trajan and Pateus, Chieftain Dega’s secretary. And this is Lucius, my husband, Chieftain to House Dega of Ordelpho.”
The look on Father’s face rivaled that of the snow on the ground outside—pale as milk.
“Anyone care for a drink?” Father rubbed his head before looking back at me with so many questions.
I laughed. “It’s good to be home.”
“I see.” Father didn’t, in fact, see anything, even though Lucius and I had done our best to explain things, which had been very difficult considering that we couldn’t tell Father why I wasn’t married to the man I’d sworn myself to, not without putting Ander in danger.
On the way to Providence several days ago, my mates and I had discussed what exactly to tell my parents. We all agreed to tell them about the Alpha and Omega dynamic, that something in my blood made me different, and it was that reason that things had to be… rearranged. Father and Mother hadn’t understood, but with Demos there in the room, they were at least willing to. Not to mention, my physical changes held more weight than mere words could.
“The reason for The Fealty,” Demos said, addressing my parents, “was originally for the purpose of securing an omega.”
I listened intently, noticing Fadon, who sat across from Demos, lean forward. This was what Auria had once mentioned, but because I’d been lost in heartbreak and was coming to terms with being Omega, I hadn’t stopped to ask anything further about it.
“There is a prophecy,” Demos continued, “that is known only to the Ongahri, that a woman outside the tribe would one day be called upon as the… savior of their people, if you will. Because the Ongahri had always kept themselves removed from the people of Titus, they made a compact with the Owl, who in exchange for their aid in procuring a bride, the Ongahri would swear fealty to the Owl Order in the event war was to come to the foot of Great Mountain. This was two thousand years ago, give or take a century. Titus was a very different world then. Kings rose, rulers fell, political ties formed and broke, and the population grew from peacetime. The Ongahri are long-lived, bred to be warriors, and the Owl, a peaceful organization made up of scholars and healers and spiritual leaders, knew how vulnerable they were. With this compact, both parties were provided with an answer to their weakness.”
“And here I was thinking it was only a promise to never go to war with them,” Ander said.
“I thought that as well, Prince Trajan.” Father rubbed his chin. “So this Omega. I am assuming Sierra is the one prophesied?”
I winced. I didn’t like the idea of being that special, being depended upon, relied upon, sworn to. But then again, all those villages we had passed on our way here: Children too cold, too sick, too hungry to hope. Women too terrified of losing their families to rest. Men too ashamed and scared that they couldn’t provide for their loved ones. All because of one elemental losing control of her domain.
But if I had to play this role of savior, if it meant putting an end to all the suffering, I’d gladly take up the mantle and wear it.
“…and I apologize for the duplicity.” Demos paused, folding his hands on his lap. “There are things going on Titus right now that even you, Constance Linden, have never witnessed. The winter that doesn’t seem to have an end in sight. The growing unrest in the cities. The villages we have passed through in coming here… pure devastation, both from marauders, opportunists, but most of all from a lack of winter provisions.”
“Yes, I have heard the rumors, have even lent aid and am housing families who were destitute.” Father said. “And you are correct. I have never seen anything like this in all my years. In fact, I was speaking with one of our farmers just yesterday. He and I studied the almanacs. There is no recorded entry or mention of the winter we have been having. The yearly cycle didn’t even come close to predicting something this grand.” His tired eyes widened. “We even contemplated it being of a metaphysical nature.”
“Metaphysical? Not familiar with that word,” Ander replied.
“Spiritual.” Fadon waved a hand towards his brother but kept his gaze on Father. “From what we’ve gathered, there is a three-fold event happening. Political uprisings, inclement weather, and…” He hesitated, looking to Demos.
“This information cannot leave this room,” Demos said.
“Perhaps my wife should leave.” Father patted Mother’s hand.
Mother smiled, looking relieved. “Of course. Sierra, come. Let’s get a room ready for you and your… the others.” She stood and offered a hand to me, and I grinned at her discomposure.
We excused ourselves and left the others to their conversation. Walking through my childhood home sobered me instantly. Everywhere I saw traces of Lucinda, and by the time Mother had found Hannah in the guest wing, I was a mess of tears and sniffles.
Mother waved Hannah on and took me in my arms. “My daughter. What are these tears for, hmm?”
“Lucinda. I still can’t believe she’s gone. Mother… I’m responsible for her death.”
“No, you are not. And she isn’t gone, love, just not here. And I know, I know without a doubt, that she is watching over you with pride. We have so little control in life, Sierra. Good and bad things are wont to happen regardless of our choices. You need to forgive yourself and honor Lucinda.”
“Oh, Mama.” I hadn’t called her that since I was a little girl, but that was how I felt at this moment.
“Now. Come, let’s get you settled. Hannah is going to get you a bath drawn, and Cook has already planned for a meal. There is a ton of things to see to, but first I want you clean and dry and warm.”
I laughed at her list of priorities. “All right, Mother.”
“And then you can tell me how you managed to marry that delightfully delicious man you call husband.”
“Mother!”
This time, she laughed.