by Alicia Fabel
A minute later, she peered over her shoulder. The kargadan had melted into the shadows of the building. “What’s up with that guy? Does he have something against sunlight?”
Kuwari stopped to chat with someone passing by before turning to her. “I’m sorry, what was that, Vera?”
“Doesn’t it get hot in a building with no windows?”
“Fewer windows means less heat can get in.”
“Your home has a lot of windows.”
“I raised a satyr. His eyes did not adjust to the darkness as well as a kargadan’s. I was afraid he’d trip on something and fall into the fire pit.”
“I didn’t realize seeing in the dark was a kargadan ability.”
“It’s not a magic ability, just a genetic one. Perhaps you’ve inherited it.”
“Kinda bummed I didn’t inherit silver eyes. I could get behind something like that.” Vera scanned the empty huts as they walked through an abandoned section of the village. Outlines of furniture were clear through the windows. All left behind because there weren’t enough people to use it. Vera realized Kuwari had gotten quiet and looked up to see him staring at her. “What?”
“You can see silver eyes? Anything else strange about those people?”
“I don’t know.” Vera shrugged. “Some of their features are blurry, but only out of the corner of my eyes. And Prince Ashur’s voice has a weird echo.”
Kuwari ran a hand over his beard. “You must never speak of this ability. I would not be able to save you if people knew you could see glamour.”
“Silver eyes means they’re using glamour?”
“Only magic wielders can usually see that. Is it your siphon that lets you see magic?”
“Maybe. I’d assume so since I’ve never asked another siphon if they see magic. Kale can’t, but he’s not a normal siphon.”
“Nor are you. It would be interesting to find out if it is a siphon trait.”
“What if it’s not?”
“Then it would be interesting to know where you did get that ability.”
10
Kale groaned and threw a hand over his eyes. Ferrox, what did you do?
Kale couldn’t even remember getting home. They’d made it to Diyu without stumbling across any more chimeras frolicking in the woods. Thank the stars. He’d had a drink or two with his old boss, Yama—she was one of his favorites. Then Yama had shown him the newest arrivals. Their crimes were being carved into their flesh by enthusiastic yoagui demons. Ferrox had been startled by how lengthy some of those lists were. Of course, he’d also enjoyed the screams elicited with every swipe of the carving stick. Kale even found himself appreciating the ceremony, letting Ferrox’s nature take the front seat.
Kale frowned as memories surface. Blast me. I joined in. He’d helped with the woman who’d sold her children at night to pay for opium, and he’d enjoyed every second of it. His memory got blurry about that point, though.
Ferrox? “Infernals be damned, where is that horse?”
Kale lowered the hand from his face and came face to face with a dragon. He grabbed for the blade he kept under his pillow, but his hand ran through grass. What the Hel?
“Calm down, Kalesius. Braxas won’t hurt you.”
Kale squinted. “Maiden?”
“Mother now, actually. Remember?”
“Yeah, but I’ll never get used to it.” Kale winced as a pain shot through his temples. “Why are you in my meadow?”
“I’m not. Ferrox is back there keeping an eye on things. Although, I suppose he’s probably passed out. You, however, were in no shape to travel this morning.”
Kale took a closer look at the skyline. He was in Summartir, somewhere in the mountains that divided the realm.
“That damned horse, as you called him, brought you here when he couldn’t get you to wake. Which meant he couldn’t separate from you. At first, I didn’t understand that I was speaking to Ferrox and not you—I’m not sure I realized that was possible. He has quite a mouth on him.”
Kale was aware. “How long was I out?”
“Twelve hours. Braxas brought you here, where people aren’t likely to stumble upon you and start rumors.”
“Thank you,” he said tightly, his pride stinging.
“Don’t thank me, I did that for the good of my people. I’d rather they not know our Guardian had lost his ever-loving mind. Especially since you led an unnatural horde to invade our realm not long ago. Otherwise, I would’ve let you lie in the courtyard once I got you two pulled apart.”
“I thank you anyway,” said Kale. “If I’d known anything like that would happen, I never would’ve traveled with Ferrox.”
“Exactly how many times have you rejoined with that beast since battling the horde?”
“Only twice.”
“Only?” Mother pinned him with a cold look. “Have you forgotten the blood and lives given so you could be free of your bonds? Do they mean so little to you?”
“I haven’t forgotten,” Kale said. In truth, that’s part of why he’d done it. He wanted to forget it all for a few hours.
“Perhaps I will be better reassured if you explain why you chose to turn yourself back into a monster in the first place.” The High Mother ran a finger over the dragon’s red scales. She caught Kale looking and blushed before tucking her hands into her lap with a scowl. “I’m waiting, Kalesius.”
“Your people aren’t the only ones still healing from what happened last year,” he said honestly. “That was the first time I’d rejoined with Ferrox in a thousand years. I’d forgotten the numbness of conscience that came with our merging.”
“Yes, a numbness that turns siphons into mindless beasts who care only for gratification and blood.”
“I thought I could handle it,” Kale said shortly. “I was wrong. It won’t happen again.” He stood, and his head swam.
“The world is sick, Kalesius,” Mother said. “For lack of a better phrase, the realms are hanging on by a thread. They need the Guardian to be strong right now.”
“Thank you for your help, Mother. I will return to my post.” Kale moved to follow the tug at his core, the cord that tied him to the meadow and would lead him to the world-gate.
“It’s a three-day walk,” warned Mother.
Kale paused, scanning the mountains. “We’re on the west side?”
“Braxas has made it his home.”
“Those bloodsuckers don’t have a taste for dragon?”
“My hide is hard to bite through,” rumbled the dragon. “I don’t mind the snack when one comes sniffing around and tries to nibble on my scales, though.”
“The dark coven’s magic is dwindling just like my coven’s,” shared Mother. “It is all tied to nature, and nature requires balance. Without birth and growth, there is no death and decay. Have you not noticed that none of our dark sisters have attempted to cross the mountain in recent years?”
“Only now that you mention it. To be honest, I hadn’t thought much about them.”
“They have no power left to fight us. My coven will be the last of the witches, but eventually, we will be gone too.”
“Have you figured out why the world is dying?”
“Something broke when we unraveled the world.” Mother shrugged a tired shoulder. “In the end, we only managed to give ourselves a little more time. Perhaps that’s all we could hope for.”
“Have you spoken to the other leaders recently?”
“Many times. No one has any solutions, and as their numbers shrink, their hate for the beings who caused this grows.”
“There’s talk of attacking Earth?”
“There’s always been talk.” She leaned forward to meet his gaze with new intensity. “If they fear the Guardian is falling, it will happen sooner than later.”
Kale massaged the bridge of his nose. “I will not let that happen.”
“Good,” Mother replied. “Eradicating the humans won’t solve anything. But I’ll never convince the world of that.”
Kale continued to walk away. It would be a long trip home.
“Braxas can give you a ride back to the gate,” offered the Mother.
Kale debated.
“What would take you three days will take him an hour. He’s taking me home anyway, you might as well join us.”
Kale nodded his thanks and climbed onto the back of the dragon. Mother was mumbling about stubborn, insufferable men. Braxas huffed what sounded suspiciously like a laugh, smoke streaming from his nostrils, then he leaped into the air, wings kicking up dust and debris. Kale held firmly to a spike along his spine. Falling from that height would mean crushed bones and organs. Kale had had enough misery for one day.
“Dinner is ready,” Kuwari informed Vera as she sat in the middle of her bed attempting to mediate.
She unfolded her legs and climbed from the bed, stretching.
“How’d you do?” he asked.
“Does falling asleep while sitting up count?”
“No.” Kuwari chuckled. “The rest was probably good for you, though.” He turned to leave and said, “You’ll need to cover your head. We have company.”
Company turned out to be three hunky guys from the prince’s entourage and Ashur himself. Vera hadn’t gotten a good look at anyone earlier, during her official welcome to the village. She’d stared down at her chippy toenail polish while Kuwari introduced her and explained that she would be vital in the efforts to revive their kind. The man believed that too. Vera found herself hoping he was right, for their sakes. Now, she tried not to stare at the blurred features and silver eyes of the close-up guys. She was certain one had glamoured himself a different nose and chin. Depending on how she squinted and tilted her head, he looked like two different men. Another had glamoured away his unfortunate skin condition. The third was the worst. Every once in a while, she caught a face looking at her from his chest. It seemed he’d made himself appear taller. When she looked at them straight on, they were just a bunch of exceptionally good-looking guys, but that was hard to do when she was expected to keep her head down. Stupid sexist etiquette.
Vera pinned her gaze on her lap and tried to focus on the prince with his glamoured voice. Fortunately, the man who stuck nearest to Ashur had eyes that were gray-brown like silt. No glamour. Nothing for her to accidentally stare at and give herself away.
“Apprentice Vera, Kuwari says you lifted Nisaba’s spirits today,” said Ashur.
“Oh, that’s sweet, but I didn’t really do anything.”
“You are saying our healer is a liar?” Ashur asked flatly.
Vera jerked her head up to meet his hard stare and then glanced at Kuwari. Their host stood stiffly, with his back to the group, pouring drinks. “Oh, no.” Vera shook her head, only remembering to drop her gaze when one of the macho kargadan guys scowled at her. “Kuwari doesn’t lie.”
“Hmm,” said the prince, taking a tumbler from Kuwari. “I’m glad our healer has your trust. I saw Nisaba for myself, so I can confirm she is stronger than she has been in days. She is expecting you tomorrow. Kuwari says you must meditate first, but then you will visit her.”
Vera nodded. “I’m looking forward to it.”
“I must attend my father’s table now.” Prince Ashur rose to his feet. His entourage rose with him. “I leave you to yours.”
Ashur strode out the front door. The three beefcakes stayed.
“Vera, would you offer drinks to our guests?” Kuwari held out a round tray with three cups.
She wondered why he didn’t do it himself since he was right beside them but figured it was the woman’s job in this backward place. It would probably bring dishonor on him and on his sheep out back if he served other men. She restrained the urge to say so and took the tray. Delivering drinks was not the easiest thing to do while staring down. The tray bounced off a guy’s arm. He grumbled and took a cup. The guy across from him coughed, hiding what Vera thought was amusement. Well, at least one of these guys doesn’t have a stick jammed up their rear. Vera relaxed and stepped closer to offer said man a cup.
“Thank you,” he said softly.
Vera’s eyes flicked up to meet his. It was Brown-eyes.
Dinner progressed much the same way as drinks. Kuwari asked Vera to serve their company, and Vera did a rotten job of it. She’d officially made two of the men unhappy. The one she’d slammed the drink tray into was joined by the one with a wet spot in his lap, where she’d slopped his food. For Lady’s sake, I used to be a waitress. This shouldn’t be so difficult. Vera brushed the scarf back so she could see past it. She felt sorry for all the horses she’d ever seen with blinders on. Underneath it, she was sweating like a mother too. Brown-eyes seemed to be the only one undisturbed by Vera’s lack of grace. Even Kuwari was as tense as a concrete pillar. He hadn’t met her eyes once through the whole disaster. By the time Vera sat to eat, the men were finished and watching her.
This isn’t awkward at all. Vera managed to swallow a couple of bites. It was not as good as Addamas’s stew. Either that, or being stared at while she ate was making her taste buds revolt. Forget it. I’ll sneak a roll and honey-fruit later. She set down her spoon. With any luck, her stomach wouldn’t get too loud before the guys left. They didn’t seem to be in a hurry to leave, though none of them spoke. The silence was killing her.
“My apprentice has learned to play shagai recently if anyone is interested in a match.” Kuwari produced the wool pouch filled with sheep bones.
“We can wait while she cleans the table,” offered Grumpybutt-One.
Vera opened her mouth to suggest they were welcome to help, but Kuwari jumped in, “Since there are no other females in my home to help, I can clear our dinner so my apprentice may have some fun.”
“You are a most gracious guardian, Kuwari,” said Grumpybutt-Two.
“Apprentice Vera must be very grateful,” Grumpybutt-One prompted with an obviously leading tone.
Vera raised both brows, glad the headscarf shielded them. Am I a two-year old now? And even though it went against every grain in her body, she said, “I am. Thank you, Kuwari.” Two more days, girl. Keep your mouth shut for two more days.
Brown-eyes rose. “Let’s see how well you play shagai.”
“I only learned to play yesterday,” Vera admitted. “I’m not very good. My friend had to take away some of the rules because I couldn’t remember them all.”
“Your friend?” he asked curiously.
Vera froze. No one but the prince and marduk was supposed to know about Addamas. “Kuwari. Kuwari is my friend.” Not technically a lie, but dang it she squirmed anyway.
“Then we shall endeavor to improve your skills,” said Brown-eyes.
“And if it is too difficult for you, you may watch as we play,” added Grumpybutt-Two. Vera had been half-tempted to ask their names, at the risk of coming across as a mannerless troll. But now, she was content to refer to them in her head by their descriptions. She cast a look at Kuwari, who was clearing the remains from their dinner. Maybe she should have just done that after all. Then she could’ve snuck to her room while the guys played the stupid game. Way to think that one through, Miss Defensive-Pants. She was amazed that Nisaba had kept that spark of hers alive this long. More than ever, Vera was looking forward to their visit in the morning. Ugh. After attempting to turn my mind into a blank freaking canvas.
Vera sat silently on a cushion beside Nisaba, her hands in her lap while Ishtar glowered. They’d sat like that, not speaking, since Vera had shown up. Meditation is less painful than this. Although, the most Vera had managed to keep her mind quiet was three minutes. Kuwari assured her that she’d be ready within the next day, so long as she kept at it. He better be right.
Nisaba cleared her throat. “Mother, should we prepare morning tea for you?”
The woman narrowed her eyes. They darted back and forth between the two girls. Vera was sure the woman was trying to figure out a way to keep the girls from being alone together. Ishtar’s lips curved up. “Thank y
ou, daughter. You are a treasure.” Nisaba stood. Vera shifted to follow, but Ishtar added, “I will keep apprentice Vera company while you do.”
Called it. Vera badly wanted to stick out her tongue at the woman. Nisaba bobbed obligingly and retreated to the kitchen.
“Apprentice Vera, are you finding Nibiru well?”
“Yes, thank you.” Short and polite. Just like Kuwari and Addamas coached me.
“You were a healer’s assistant in the realm where you grew up?”
“I was a student.” Vera carefully crafted the truth.
“Yes, of course—a healer student. How were you introduced to Kuwari?”
“Through a mutual friend.” Doing good, girl. Keep it up.
“Ah, you must mean the satyr boy.” Ishtar sneered. “He is the only connection Kuwari has outside our realm that you could mean.”
Well crap, I didn’t know that.
“I’m not surprised you know Addamas. He always was attracted to the more unsavory elements.”
Vera frowned and dared to meet the woman’s gaze. “What do you mean by that?”
“I’m not sure I understand your question.” Ishtar folded her hands innocently in her lap. “Are you confused by my pointing out the satyr’s penchant for befriending undesirables? Or by that fact that I include you in that category?”
Vera decided her best course of action was clamping her lips closed and ending the conversation. Taking the high road and all that. Kale would be proud… Well no, Kale would be pissed if he had any idea what she was doing. Immeasurably pissed.
“Although your company is preferable to having him touch one of the ladies of our herd. Not that he dared, after the public whippings he received as a boy.”
Vera gasped. “That’s horrible.”
Ishtar smiled victoriously. “That he would lay a filthy hand on one of our daughters after being given the privilege of a home among our people? Oh, I completely agree.”
“Addamas was beaten for touching people?” Vera’s throat tightened.
