by S. R. Cronin
My willingness to do anything to stop her included using my talents as a luski to their fullest. If she forced me into the horrible choice of becoming her servant or becoming a monster, I’d choose monster.
I looked at Chessa and sighed. When this was all done, perhaps I couldn’t be anyone’s friend, ever.
“Why are you so upset?” she said.
Children. So perceptive sometimes.
“A bad woman is trying to get me to do bad things for her.”
“I hate it when people act that way.”
Really?
“You know people who do that sort of thing, Chessa?”
“Oh yes. My grandparents tried to make my mommy and daddy do bad things for them. Mommy and Daddy wouldn’t and they keep saying … they kept saying … ‘we made the right choice.’ Did you know not doing bad things when people ask you to is called making the right choice?”
“Yes. I do know that.”
Maybe I’d underestimated this little family. If we all lived through Kolada, perhaps Janx and Chessa would understand my situation.
Votto and I rode to the farm at the start of the next ank break so I could talk to Olivine. I no longer needed her opinion of Hana, but I hoped she could help me with my more complicated situation.
Dad saw me in the distance and waved from the furthest field. I wished I could warn Mom of my arrival because she didn’t like surprises, and our relationship didn’t need any more strain. Then Dad turned, and within seconds one of his farmhands galloped to the house to tell my mother there would be company soon.
I rode slowly with Votto; he usually nursed or slept as we traveled. By the time I reached the house, Mom had drinks waiting on the porch and a smile on her face. We sat together in the shade as the morning had already grown warm.
“You didn’t bring that Chessa girl with you today?”
“Her name is Chessa, not ‘that Chessa girl.’ No, she’s with her dad.”
“He’s not from around here, is he?”
“No. He said he and his wife moved from Faroo a few years ago.”
“I thought so. The child looks like she’s from Faroo."
“What’s that mean?”
Mom shrugged. “They kind of have a look, you know. Like the Edsers have theirs. Scrudites too, of course. You know when you meet them.”
She gave me a hopeful smile. “Farmland in Vinx isn’t easy for outsiders to come by. He must have arrived with coins in his pocket.”
“He told me they lucked out and found a small place belonging to an elderly childless couple. It’s not much, but you’re right, they must have had some means when they arrived.”
“So. What else do you know about him?”
I caught her drift and I didn’t like it.
“He’s not a prince, Mom. I’m sure of that.”
She gave a nervous laugh. “Yes, dear. One doesn’t have a second marriage to a prince. However, a man of some means is better than a man of none, true? Oh, don’t look at me that way. I know you and Davor won’t stay together, and I don’t blame you. He’s a charming man but such a disappointment. We should have been more concerned he hadn’t found a wife already. You’re far too good to put up with a philanderer.”
How could I stay mad at Mom when her hopes for her daughters were such a confusing blend of ambition, affection, and pride in our family?
“I’m sorry you had to learn of his bad behavior, Mom.”
“Me and half the realm. Don’t worry, dear. No one in Vinx faults you in the least. Any male who doesn’t appreciate your beauty and sweet disposition is an idiot. I thought perhaps this man from Faroo is not an idiot and could provide for you. It’s easier to raise a child with some help, you know.”
She took a closer look at my face. “You’re interested in him?”
“I could be someday, but not now. He just lost his wife, and I’m concerned about us all surviving past Kolada.”
“Oh, yes. That. I thought Ryalgar had our defense well in hand. Your father sure has spent a lot of time helping her.”
“She, Dad, and Olivine are concentrating on one part of her plan. It’s called ‘The Snakes.’ I’m guessing it’s going well, though I hope to talk to Olivine today. There’s another part, called ‘The Goats.’ The ….”
I hated to upset my mother but I was going to have to say it
“… the reczavy are designing it and I have no idea how it’s going.”
“The … those people? Oh my. Why in the world is Ryalgar trusting them with anything?”
“I don’t know. What I do know is my part of it …”
“Yes. The part using luskies. I’ve learned more since we last spoke.”
Well, she couldn’t say the word reczavy, but at least she managed to say luski.
“I’m glad you know more. We call my part ‘The Lions.’ The Lions are doing well but we’ve hit a little complication.”
A germ of an idea sprouted in my head. It probably wouldn’t lead anywhere, but I had little to lose.
“I’m sorry to hear it. Your father’s been helping your group too, I understand.”
“Yes, but the complication doesn’t involve him. Just me.”
“I see. Does this complication concern what you can do?”
I didn’t answer her question but asked another.
“Mom, has anyone ever tried to force you to do something by threatening to take away or hurt people you loved?”
“Good heavens, no. People don’t behave that way. Does someone you know act like that?”
Again, I ignored her question.
“What would you do if even talking about this threat to another could mean losing what you cared about most?”
“I’d say nothing to anyone. Obviously.”
“Then you’d be wise, Mom. You are wise. I appreciate that about you.”
I stood up and kissed her on the cheek.
“I’m going to go find Olivine. Do you mind watching Votto?”
I walked away knowing the gamble I’d taken. Mom was smart, and she had a devious streak my father lacked. She wanted to protect me. If she could think of some sneaky way to alert Ryalgar all was not well with me, she’d use it.
I wasn’t naive enough to think I’d solved my predicament. Turning Mom loose on the problem was like throwing a rock at someone in the dark. You weren’t sure who or what it was going to hit, but it was better than doing nothing. I needed to do more.
I paused on my way to the barn and watched.
Olivine leaned against one side of the building, her bronze hair blowing loose in the wind. Men and women with bows and arrows surrounded her. I hadn’t seen her in two eighths and archery had changed her physique. She’d never been strong, but now her flimsy blouse half hid visible muscles as she stood like a tigress. I wondered if she knew of the change.
The large barn doors stood wide open and inside I could see women relaxing, lounging on the hay. They must be Ryalgar’s famed oomrushers. My oldest sister was absent today, and her Velka friend Joli had taken charge. As I walked over, Joli dismissed everyone for lunch. She and Olivine greeted me, and Joli stood talking with us as though she was our sister too. It was a little thing, but it irritated me. Today I needed to talk to Olivine alone, yet I couldn’t afford to raise suspicions by asking Joli to go away.
I hoped to say something to Olivine akin to what I’d told my mother, prompting Olivine to look into Hana’s behavior without involving me. I thought I could have done it if Joli left but she didn’t. She insisted on eating with us, sharing her fresh grapes and smoked fish, and telling stories as she ate. If she noticed my lack of interest, she ignored it.
Finally, as I gathered up the trash from our picnic, Joli turned to talk to another.
Olivine didn’t wait but whispered in my ear. “You okay? You seem a little off.” When I didn’t answer, she added. “Joli gets a little over-enthused, but she means well. I wish Ryalgar handled this sometimes, though. How is it having Hana coordinate your stuff?”
/>
I froze. I’m sure my eyes widened, and I know I gulped.
“That bad, huh?”
I shook my head. “I’d never want it to get back to Hana that I was anything but happy.”
“Come on. There’s no reason to be so afraid of the woman.” Olivine stuck her elbow out towards me in a friendly nudge. I gave her another look. She read my expression. “There is?”
“I would never say such a thing. I have way too much to lose.”
“Oh.” Olivine was no dullard and she understood the workings of the Chimera better than Mom. I’d taken a bigger risk with her, but confiding in Olivine was more like throwing rocks in a dim light. I had a better chance of striking something I wanted to hit.
I wondered how many rocks I’d have to throw before I got the result I needed.
Chapter 18. A Quick Trip Alone
Every other day for the next ank I made the short ride over to Janx and Chessa’s place in the evening, bringing a homemade dish. Chessa refused to sleep at the school now, claiming she had bad dreams when she did. One night I brought her back to my place so she could ride to school with me in the morning, but most other days she missed classes. Her father couldn’t seem to get up early enough to make the ride.
I thought it was okay. She was a bright girl; she’d learn the material later. Now, they both needed to grieve together.
On the first day of the next ank-break, I rode over to my parents’ farm, anxious to see if the seeds I’d planted with Mom and Olivine yielded anything. When I got there, though, mom paced the floor, too upset to sit.
Days ago, my parents had journeyed by coach to Iolite’s school to see why she hadn’t responded to their many letters. They knew she ought to be nearly done with her studies and would need a carriage to get her things home. Once there, they learned she’d finished earlier than most and already left. Everyone at the school assumed she went home.
Mom thought Iolite tried to travel back to the farm alone to prove her independence. Perhaps had a spell while traveling. They asked the Svadlu to search for her, hoping some kind couple had taken her in and she couldn’t remember who she was. When the Svadlu said they couldn’t find her, Mom became so distraught she went to my Grandmother for help. Now the Velka searched, too, and so far, they hadn’t found her either.
My heart hurt. I’d promised Sulphur I’d keep her secret of Iolite’s whereabouts, and of the brave assistance she provided the Svadlu. But I didn’t think Sulphur thought through how worried the rest of the family would be if this happened. How could I not tell them?
Yet, how could I?
“Mom, Votto is more than half a year old. He’ll do fine on cow’s milk and gruel for a night. I need to ride to Pilk. Today. Without him. Would you care for him overnight?”
“Oh, Coral. Please don’t do that. If something happened to you, with Iolite already missing …”
“Mom. I’ll be fine. I’m going there to talk to my husband. You said the Svadlu looked for Iolite. I want to make sure they did everything they could. I believe I still have a little influence, so let me try to intervene.”
Her face softened. “I didn’t realize that was your errand. But don’t you have your own practice thing to go to tomorrow?”
“I can miss one.”
Her raised eyebrow let me know she understood my lack of eagerness to attend.
“What about these people you’re caring for? Will they be okay?”
“Chessa and Janx? They’ll be fine. They’re both resilient.”
“You better get going then, so you’ll have plenty of light.”
I needed to have words with two members of the Svadlu, and I had no idea how to find either one. I also didn’t know how Davor would feel about my showing up and honestly, I didn’t care. Whoever he was with, or whatever he was doing with her, didn’t matter. I just wanted to know if my sister was safe. If she wasn’t, Davor’s problems were just beginning.
If she was okay, I needed to find my other sister. Sulphur would need a ridiculously good reason for me not to tell the rest of the family about Iolite’s safety.
I expected to find the Svadlu headquarters deserted on an ank-break, but I couldn’t have been more wrong. A man at the entrance directed visitors and helped several others before he got to me. When I expressed my surprise at the activity, he looked hard at my country clothes.
“Those from Pilk know our fine soldiers don’t rest these days. We’re always here, always preparing. How can I help you, miss?”
“I need to speak with my husband. He’s with the Svadlu.”
“We don’t interrupt our fighters when they’re training, ma’am. Can’t this wait?”
“No, it can’t. We’ve a family emergency.”
I’ll never know if he would have helped me, with or without my use of the timbre, because Davor walked into the foyer then with a group of men. I swear he turned to me to check me out, only to realize who I was. Then I think he considered ignoring me but thought the better of it.
“Coral. My dear. What in the world are you doing here?”
“I need your help, Davor. Do you have a minute?”
Nice big strong guy. Helping out the little missus. What could he say?
“I’ll make time, dear. Come this way.” He turned to the half dozen men with him.
“Gentlemen, I’ll catch up with you.”
He led me into his office, the place where he spent his days. I’d never seen it, but orderly maps and stacks of written materials didn’t surprise me. He took his job seriously.
He gestured me to a chair then pulled out a jug from inside his desk. He followed it with two small mugs but I shook my head.
“I need to know where Iolite is.”
He shrugged and poured himself a few sips.
“I’ve no idea.”
“Bull scump. I know she’s with the Svadlu, and my family is worried sick. But I promised … someone … I wouldn’t tell the others she was with you.”
I needn’t have been so oblique. He figured it out right away.
“For pruck sake, why did Sulphur have to go and tell you?”
“She’s worried she’ll get killed and no one will know where Iolite is.”
He had to laugh at that. “Guess your first skirmish does tend to scare you that way. Okay, you’re the keeper of the secret, so I can tell you this much. Iolite has spent time with the Svadlu, but her mission with us remains highly confidential, at her request as well as ours.”
“Why would she want that?”
“Her time with us was … difficult. However, she left here with her boyfriend and I have no idea where they went.”
“She has a boyfriend?”
He laughed again. “I think your family has fallen out of touch with this sister. Yet, I’m sure the dynamics with her are complicated.”
That had to be the most sensitive thing I’d heard Davor say.
“Will the Svadlu help us find her, now that you’re done with her?”
“I’d be glad to, but I understand others gave their word that we’d do no such thing. The promise was intended as a thank you, to give her and her boyfriend time to work some things out.”
Well, so much for demanding the Svadlu release her.
“My parents are worried sick.”
“I’m sure they are. Your best hope, Coral, is to find Iolite through methods of your own and persuade her to come home. I’m no longer involved.”
“Do you know where I could find Sulphur?”
“Now that one I can help with. She got asked to fill in supervising fortifications along Pilk’s eastern wall. It’s too late in the day to ride out there now. Do you have a place to stay tonight?”
“No.”
“I’m sorry, honey cakes, I can’t have you stay over. But I’ll walk you down the street to an inn and treat you to a night’s stay. Say? Where’s my little man tonight? Did you leave him home alone?”
I had to laugh. No sane mother would leave a half-year-old baby alone overn
ight, but I guess Davor didn’t know that. “He’s with my folks.”
Davor said good night to me at the door of the inn. I felt sad, at first. Alone in Pilk and nothing to do. Then I realized I didn’t have a baby with me or a chore needing to be done. Davor offered to pay my bill in full. The inn served food and drink.
I heard musical instruments playing in the front room and wandered in to hear the music. It sounded much like Celestine’s performances. One musician played a flute, another plucked a stringed instrument and the third drummed while a man and woman harmonized with their voices. Pretty stuff. Then I looked closer at the man and woman. These singers were part of The Lion; we’d practiced together before. Maybe they knew Celestine.
I sought them out when they took a break.
“Celestine’s sister!“ The woman recognized me, or maybe just my hair. “Come drink with us when we’ve finished”
I did. By then they’d sent word to friends and several more singers from the Lion joined us, and two luskies as well. Although I’d never seen either without a mask, the combination of their hair, bodies, and voices let me identify them.
It surprised me to see luskies socializing with singers, but I supposed the hours of practice combined with the worries we shared had melted normal caution. Neither luski wore a mask, but why would they? Here they were merely people having fun with friends in a tavern.
The tall blonde one whispered to me. “Has she threatened you, too?”
“From what we’ve been able to find out, she’s bullied every luski in the group,” added the other, a shorter and stouter lady with greying hair. “She has an uncommon talent for discovering the right threat for each of us.”
“Yes,” I said. “She did and she found the best threat for me.”
“We can’t let her do this,” the blonde said.
“We can’t.”
The singers at the table appeared to have heard these stories already, as several nodded in sympathy.
