Enzo Aronak had owned them both, but he'd loved them both, too, in his own twisted way. When one of the other slavers had whipped Kado too severely, Enzo had been furious. He’d cleaned and stitched Kado’s wounds himself. Kado had bitten his lip to keep from crying as Enzo’s quick hands brought the needle in and out of his bloodied skin.
“That’s it! I solved the riddle.” Kado said, looking up from the slate. “A needle.”
Isaac tipped his head, nearly hitting the bars that separated them. “I knew you'd work it out on your own. Now, let’s calculate the angles, shall we?”
With no windows, it was impossible to know the time. But it felt as if they studied deep into the night. Kado eventually fell asleep slumped over a history book. When he woke, Isaac had retired to his pallet on the far side of his cell. Kado carefully slid the book back through the bars and went to his own pallet.
Kado did not know who this Isaac was, or why he was permitted to have such luxuries as books—nobleman or not. He did not understand his apparent familiarity with Councilor Terayan, or what the Kyrean Councilor wanted from Isaac. But it had been months since Kado had had any thoughts beyond guilt and loneliness. He had been a man waiting to die, afraid and alone.
Nothing had really changed. He was still a prisoner. In a short time he would be forced to kill again, or else accept his fate and be killed. But still, there was something new nestled in his heart: a tiny flame of hope. And perhaps it meant his story was not over yet.
Tallis Terayan wiped his mouth, staining the fine linen napkin. The feast set before him and Lady Ezra Laevul could have fed ten men. His private dining room’s long table brimmed with exotic fruits, stuffed quail, several pitchers of wine, heaps of roasted vegetables, and bread loaves as long as his arm.
Ezra picked at an orange segment, tearing its strings with her long, lacquered nails. No one would mistake her for a handsome woman. Like her twin brother’s, Ezra’s black-and-gold eyes sat too close together. Her narrow nose ended in a vulture-like crook and expensive oils weighed down her thin black hair. But, Ezra dressed as if she were the most beautiful woman in Osterna. She always wore the latest fashions, like the closely-cut black silk gown she'd donned for their evening respite.
“Not hungry?” Terayan asked as he sliced his quail.
She smiled, though the expression did little to improve her countenance—not that Terayan minded. He valued Ezra for her skills, loyalty, and common goals, not her appearance. “Please excuse me, Tallis. I am afraid my appetite escapes me at present.”
“You’re worried about Amblin.” He chewed. “You needn’t be. The spellwork he’s weaving is draining, but the situation is entirely within my control.”
“I know, it’s just…” Her nail pierced the orange. Juice spurted on the table cloth. “He’s my twin. His suffering is my own. Is all this really necessary? We already possess the white wolf.”
“Yes, but as we discussed, it is not enough to possess him physically. The spell requires a white wolf, a scion of Lumae, whose soul has been twisted by hate. His experiences as a slave and in the fighting pits aid our purpose, but it is not enough to push him over the edge. Everyone wants something, Ezra. As you and Amblin well know. The only way to truly twist Kado Aronak to our purposes, is to give him what he wants, and then take it away.”
Ezra sipped her wine. Evidently, she hadn't lost her appetite for that. “So, that leads us to Isaac?”
“Yes. Kado’s father sold him to the fighting pits. His mother is dead. What Kado wants most of all is a parent. Isaac will fill that role, and when the time is right, we’ll take him away. The devastation of that loss will push Kado to the point of no return. He will be ready for the sacrifice.”
“As you say.” Ezra pushed her nearly untouched plate aside. “And what of the seer?”
“By now, the Sylrian dog will have reached Fenear. Rayna will come.”
“How can you be certain? The spell cannot be bound without seer blood. She needs—”
Terayan raised his hand to calm her. “Rayna owes Kellan Kemar her life. Fenearens are pack animals—debts like that are not easily forgotten. Add that to what we have done to her dreams and we can be certain she will come for him. And when she does, we will be ready.”
“Ready to do what, exactly?” Ezra was not brash enough to challenge him directly, but Terayan heard derision in her words.
“You still want to kill her,” Terayan observed.
“It would be simplest. We kill her and drain her. It was, after all, the original plan. I know the Maenoren girl’s death changed things—”
“Changed things?” Terayan laughed at her minimization. “When Morna Helena died, everything changed. For the first time, we saw what happens when a twice-blessed seer died with no heirs.” He snapped his finger and a silver flame burned above it. “Divine magic. For the first time, we can use it. If Morna Helena's magic can be stolen, so can Rayna's. We need only twist her to our side, as Morna was twisted.”
“Why be greedy?” Ezra pressed him. “We already have access to the divine magic of one seer line. Even as an Awakened seer, Rayna is not immune to our powers anymore, not when we can use the Helena line’s divine magic. Why press our good fortune by trying to turn another seer to darkness, in the hopes that when she dies her magic changes alignment with her soul?”
“It is precisely because Rayna is Awakened that I want her magic. If we can gain access to the divine magic of an Awakened seer, then the Helena girl’s power will be a drop in an ocean by comparison. There will be no force on Osterna—or any other plane—that will stand a chance against us.”
Ezra sighed. “Yes, but first Rayna would have to join our cause.”
“I told you. Everyone wants something. Rayna tipped her hand long ago when she risked her life and her soul to save Channon Lyallt. By now she must be slowly realizing—and if not we'll make her understand—that Channon Lyallt can’t truly be saved. She’ll have a choice: follow him to darkness, or die a creature of light and be separated from her lover for all eternity. She already risked her soul for him once. She will do so again.”
“Fine.” Ezra sipped her wine. “But what of the other two seer lines? Priestess Marielana has successfully resisted our attempts to manipulate her dreams, and we still have no leads on the Soulousian seer.”
“We will deal with Marielana after the Ascension. As for the Soulousian, you can continue scrying for her location. Once she is found, I have no qualms with eliminating her at our earliest convenience. It's Rayna I want.”
Ezra opened her mouth to continue their argument, but instead the door to the dining hall swung open. Paullus Caere, one of Terayan’s co-councilors and a perpetual thorn in his side, strode in uninvited.
Captain Gabriel Garrison hurried in behind him. “My lord, my lady.” Garrison sketched a bow. “I’m sorry, I told him you were at repast, but he would not listen.”
“You will watch your tone, Captain,” Caere turned on him, bulldog-like jowls quivering. “You may lead Terayan's personal guard, but have you forgotten which one of us commands the army and granted your commission?”
Garrison bowed again. “Excuse my rudeness, Councilor.”
Caere harrumphed and turned his attention to the seated Terayan and Ezra. “My apologies for interrupting your dinner,” he sneered, “but this could not wait.”
Terayan stood. “Please, join us. Captain, would you pour the Councilor some wine?”
“I don’t want any wine, Terayan. I’m here on official business. Did you really think I wouldn’t find out?”
Terayan re-took his seat. “I’m sorry. I don’t follow.”
“Two thousand men. That’s how many of my soldiers you sent on an unauthorized mission to aid Rhael Demetrian. I am chief strategist. Despite how you and your Captain Garrison behave, all military action must be approved by me, or have you forgotten?”
Terayan drank from his goblet. “Time was of the essence. As you were spending the winter at your villa—
welcoming your eighth grandchild is it?—I made the call to approve the aid.”
“Ninth.” Caere crossed his arms. “You did not so much as send a falcon. Nor did you bother to inform me of your actions after the fact. I had to find out secondhand, once the applications for widows’ pensions started rolling in.”
“That was ill done, of me. I apologize—”
“Eight hundred and seventy-two.”
“Pardon?”
“That’s how many of my men you sent to their deaths.”
“I thought they were the Republic’s men, and as my actions were in service of the Republic, I see no issue.”
Caere leaned forward onto the dining table. Sweat shone on his bald head. “Don’t play coy with me. How is sending two thousand men to fight a foreign war—on the losing side—serving the Republic?”
“In my defense, I had every reason to believe it would be the winning side. Besides, Rhael Demetrian was our ally. I saw an opportunity to aid in the destruction of Fenear, and I took it.”
“You saw an opportunity to line your own pockets,” Caere spat.
“That’s a hideous accusation,” Ezra spoke for the first time.
“How is assisting an ally in destroying an enemy lining my own pockets?” Terayan asked, plastering a bewildered scowl over his face.
“What was it Rhael promised you?”
“He promised the Republic recompense in the form of slaves and resources, if that’s what you mean.”
“And how much of that recompense would have gone to you? You think I don’t know how much you’ve personally profited from the Sylrian campaign? Those mining rights you purchased for next to nothing are worth tens of thousands of widows’ pensions. But of course I understand.” He gestured to the feast lain before them. “Such luxury costs. Eight hundred Kyrean lives is a small price to pay to support your lifestyle.”
Terayan inhaled sharply. “You have gone too far, Caere. I won’t have my honor or patriotism questioned. Those soldiers died for their country. I thought there was no better fate for a warrior than that.”
“Don’t speak of things you don't understand, Terayan. You may carry a sword, but you’re no soldier. You don’t understand what it means to serve.”
Terayan’s gaze flitted to Ezra. She smiled into her wine glass.
“Perhaps not,” Terayan allowed. “But you’ve made your point. We can discuss this further at the Council meeting next week.”
Caere nodded. “Yes, and I will see to is you are officially sanctioned for this outrageous breach of protocol. Councilors Amollo and Darien will agree with me.”
“We will see.” Terayan stood. “Captain Garrison, would you show the Councilor out?”
Garrison straightened, but Caere brushed past him.
“You can keep your mad cur to yourself, Terayan.” Caere eyed Garrison. “You may be able to buy loyalty from whoresons like the good Captain here, but don’t think the rest of my army will be so easily swayed.” He slammed the door.
Garrison’s lip twitched. His hand darted to his sword belt.
“Easy now, Captain,” Terayan cautioned. “The time for that will come.”
“Not soon enough,” Garrison growled.
Chapter Four
Rayna slid her hands along the slick leather den coverings as she passed through the Southern Densite. Mina led them between the concentric rows of dwellings arranged around the central fire pit. The scent of squirrels being dressed for the evening meal reminded Rayna that she'd not eaten since midday. But she had more important matters than her growling stomach. They hurried past the fire pit. Mina slipped on a patch of wet moss, but Rayna caught her arm and steadied her.
They neared Silver's den and found the Alphena pacing outside it. Rayna's aunt had changed over the past few months. She held herself taller and wore her short blonde hair braided away from her face. Some had wondered if Silver would be capable of leading the country on her own; Bayne had always been the more vocal leader, after all. A young woman called Haerian had positioned herself as Silver's most outspoken critic and Rayna worried if she or someone else would dare challenge Silver. Rayna prayed they would not, but not because she worried about her aunt. Rayna had seen Silver fight, and knew of no one more deadly if forced to it.
“Rayna, Channon, thank the Goddess you’re here,” said Silver. “Quickly, come with me. Mina, you too.” She took her wolf form without any further explanation and sprinted around a bend.
Channon and Rayna exchanged a confounded look before shifting and chasing after her.
Silver slowed to a trot. Scents of thyme, lavender, and yarrow swirled thickly around them. They had reached the healers’ dens on the densite's other side. All three Fenearens took their human forms as Mina caught up, breathing heavily.
“Silver, what’s going on?” Rayna patted Mina on the back.
“Earlier this evening our scouts brought back an injured dog—”
“A dog?” Channon asked before a sharp look from the Alphena reminded him she should not be interrupted.
“She says she’s Sylrian and she knows you three.”
“Laera!” Mina and Rayna cried out in unison as they lunged toward the healers’ den.
“Wait!” Silver stepped in front of them. “Explain first, please.”
“Laera is Lonian Kemar’s Crimund,” said Rayna.
“Crimund?”
Rayna stifled a frustrated snort. “Sylrians can't change their form, but a fortunate few find their Crimund, a dog that shares a piece of their soul. The soul connection allows them to communicate with each other. Laera is connected to our friend, Lonian.” Rayna peered around her aunt. “Is she badly hurt?”
“But why is she here?” Silver asked.
Rayna huffed. “I don’t know. We’d have to ask her. Dogs speak Wolven like we do. How badly is she injured?”
“Her wounds were beginning to heal when the scouts found her. The rot hadn’t set in by some miracle. The healers say she’ll likely be all right. She was exhausted, though.”
“Can we see her?” Mina asked.
Silver stepped aside. “Yes, but try not to disturb her.”
Rayna took Mina’s hand as they entered. Channon followed, hovering near the entrance. A metallic scent burned through the air. Blood.
Roxen stood, blocking Rayna and Mina’s path. Two healers worked behind him, one in his brown wolf form and another in her strawberry blonde human form. A dappled-gray dog lay between them—Laera.
“Wait,” Roxen said, placing a hand on Rayna and Mina. “She’s resting, and you both need to prepare yourselves. She is very ill.”
“Ill?” Rayna peered behind him.
The wolf-formed healer lay next to a dozing Laera. His breathing was measured and exaggerated. Rayna recognized the technique. It was used when a patient's own breathing was too fast or shallow.
The other healer, Jaline, glanced up from her mortar and pestle. She nodded to them before continuing to work on her medicine.
“She was dehydrated,” said Roxen. “She hadn’t eaten in days, and she’s feverish, delirious.”
“But Silver said she will be all right.” It was not a question. Rayna had lost too many friends. She was not ready to lose another.
Roxen nodded. “The healers are hopeful, but it’s a delicate time. She was asking for you, though now that she’s finally resting I’m not sure waking her is a good idea.”
“We’ll be quiet,” Rayna said. “Please, we need to see her.”
Roxen stepped aside, joining Channon by the entrance. “We shouldn’t crowd her. We’ll be outside.”
Rayna and Mina walked toward the unconscious Laera and the healers. Rayna knelt by Laera and rubbed the dappled dog’s velvety ears.
Mina sat beside her, her heart-shaped face graying at the sight of their friend. Laera was much thinner than they'd last seen her. Her once thick, spotted fur was coarse and patchy. She was not injured beyond a few scrapes, but still, she looked terrible.
&n
bsp; “Jaline,” Rayna addressed the healer working at a high table close by. She did not know the woman well, only that she'd recently taken over as Lead Healer for the site. “What happened to her?”
“It’s as Beta Roxen said.” Jaline turned to them, holding a pot of sage-smelling salve. She knelt between Rayna and Mina and applied it to the cuts on Laera’s legs. “She ran for days, maybe longer, with barely any rest, food, or water. Whatever happened, she must have been desperate to find you.”
“Where was she found?” Mina asked.
“The woods a few leagues north of here. Gar and Pike brought her to us only semi-conscious, but she kept asking for you and repeating the same few words.”
“What words?” Mina asked.
“Garrison, found us, help, Lonian captured. I don’t know what it all means.”
“We do.” Rayna’s stomach twisted as if someone had slid a knife beneath her ribs. “The Kyreans found them. Captain Garrison finally succeeded in destroying the Sylrians.”
“Do you think they’re all dead?” Mina whispered. Tears brightened her hazel eyes.
A tiny whine escaped Laera as her eyes opened.
Laera! You’re awake! Rayna yipped as she gently stroked the dog’s head.
They found us. I escaped…nowhere else to go. So far…
I know, I know, Rayna said as the healer beside them continued his exaggerated breathing.
Don’t stress her, he warned with a growl.
Rayna nodded. Laera we’re going to let you rest, but first. Do you know what happened to Lonian? To Kellan? Rayna could barely think his name. Was this why she'd been seeing Kellan in her dreams?
Captured.
“All right, enough.” Jaline gestured toward the exit. “She needs rest.”
Twice Blessed Page 4
