Rika giggled and nodded. “You are new to Karga, no? It’s different where you are from?”
Sabine nodded and gave her a small smile. “I suppose it’s obvious. I hope you’ll tell me if I do something wrong. I don’t want to offend anyone.”
Rika beamed a smile and took Sabine’s shirt. “We don’t get many outsiders here, especially not like you. Sometimes sailors come and visit the men’s bathhouse, but they aren’t welcome here. Are… Are you from far away?”
“Far from here,” Sabine replied in agreement and handed the rest of her clothing to Rika. She dipped one of the brushes into the perfumed water and began brushing her skin. Rika gave her an encouraging nod and put her clothing aside.
Rika unbraided the two small braids Blossom had started and then picked up the smaller brush. She looped the handle over her hand and brushed Sabine’s hair. “Your hair is so long and soft. I’ve never seen this color before.”
Sabine turned and smiled at the girl. “It’s common where I’m from, but I think your hair is a lovely shade of brown. We call the color chestnut, after the nuts gathered during harvest season. I had a friend close to your age who had hair similar to yours. I often admired it.”
Rika gave her a shy smile and continued brushing. Once Sabine finished scrubbing every inch of her skin, Rika motioned for her to lean back. She did, and the girl picked up a small bowl filled with some sort of white paste. She rubbed it into Sabine’s hair and poured the perfumed water over her hair, cleaning it completely. Once she finished, Rika motioned for Sabine to follow her.
Sabine hesitated, glancing at her belongings. In addition to her weapons and the Merfolk necklace, her bag also contained the Faerie water. She wasn’t thrilled with the idea of leaving her possessions behind while she went to another location.
Rika took her hand and said, “Please, Sabine. All is ready for you at the springs. We can leave your clothing and belongings here. No one will touch them. We’re just going downstairs. Grandmother will box Uncle Ekon’s ears if he allows anyone in here.”
“All right.” Sabine followed the girl down an earthen staircase. The entire building had been built overtop of what appeared to be an enlarged cave. Lanterns had been set up throughout the cavern, their flickering flames dancing and casting shadows on the walls. The air was heavy and thick with moisture, a sharp cry from the dry and dusty atmosphere in the city above them.
In the center of the cave was a sizable underground spring with steam wafting up from the water. Another woman was already soaking with her nearly black hair pinned on top of her head. She opened her dark eyes briefly to assess Sabine and then closed them again.
An older woman with a lined and weathered face grinned. She wore her graying hair braided identically to Rika’s, with the center part also painted dark red. Several of her teeth were missing, and the remaining ones were stained brown. Sabine recognized the signs of chebo nuts, which were frequently used as a painkiller by humans. When chewed, the juices created temporary feelings of euphoria, but they also rotted the patient’s teeth and dulled the senses.
“Come in, child,” the woman crooned, gesturing for Sabine to come closer. “You may call me Zaverza. Enter and be at ease. Rika will fetch you some refreshments while you soak.”
Sabine nodded and stepped down into the water, pausing in surprise at the intense heat. They must be drawing the water from the underworld for it to stay this hot. It took a few moments to get used to it, but she gradually submerged herself.
Seats had been carved out from the natural stone, and Sabine sat down. The water came almost to her neck. She leaned back, finding the heat far more relaxing than she’d expected. This might not be a magic-infused spring, but there was always power in the raw elements of nature.
Zaverza sat near her on a cushion outside the spring. The woman coughed and adjusted her thin wrap around her, silently watching Sabine.
Sabine suspected the elderly woman stayed close to the spring to alleviate the worst of her pain symptoms, but the scrutiny was making her a bit uneasy. If she didn’t have her magic thrumming strongly inside her, she probably wouldn’t have agreed to leave her weapons in the other room.
Sabine settled back and studied the cave. It was dome shaped, which explained why they were so far underground. The smooth rock surface of her seat led her to believe these springs had been used in this capacity for a long time, possibly even centuries. She didn’t know how old Karga was, but it was founded sometime after the portal closed.
Rika reappeared a few moments later, carrying a large jug and goblet. She poured wine into the goblet and handed it to Sabine before disappearing into the other room.
Sabine sniffed the beverage, but she didn’t detect anything unusual. The incense might be masking her ability to detect some ingredients. Once she took a cautious sip of the spiced wine, she found herself pleasantly surprised. It had a stronger bite than Faerie wine, but it had earthy tones that were similar.
“You are not from Karga,” Zaverza said, picking up some knitting that had been lying beside the cushion.
Sabine didn’t respond right away. She glanced at the other woman who was soaking, but she was still sitting on the far side of the spring with her eyes closed. Zaverza, on the other hand, was still studying her with a great deal of scrutiny. It could simply be curiosity about a stranger, but Sabine wasn’t fully convinced. “No. I traveled from the north by ship. Your city is much different than my home, but I’ve been enjoying exploring it.”
Zaverza clucked her tongue in approval. “You have come at a good time then. Karga will soon participate in our annual burning festival.” She paused, her eyes narrowing slightly. “Our city is closed to outsiders during that time while we rid ourselves of the taint.”
Sabine frowned. “Burning festival? Taint? What do you mean?”
“We regularly purge our city from those who possess devil magic,” Zaverza said matter-of-factly, clicking her knitting needles together. “The desert tribes want our women because they are free from this affliction. Their men must raid the city again soon, or they will be forced to go without wives until next season. They know we breed the toughest warriors and best hunters. Until the city is reopened, not even the desert tribes dare try to enter. It is tradition.”
Sabine’s brow furrowed, and she absently swirled the wine in her goblet. If they weren’t already under time constraints, they would be now. This purging didn’t sound good, and she had no intention of sticking around for it. As soon as she located Pearl, they could leave. At least Bane was safe back on the ship. She was thankful he’d had the foresight not to accompany them.
Deciding it would be best to change the subject, she asked, “The tribes raid for wives?”
Zaverza nodded and continued to knit. “Of course. It is the only way to ensure our daughters go to the strongest and cleverest of hunters. Is it not the same in the north?”
“Not exactly, but I suppose there’s always a desire to have a strong mate,” Sabine admitted thoughtfully and put her wine aside. It was a little strong, and she needed to keep a clear head. “I was under the impression women were highly valued in Karga. Does that mean they have no say in who they wed?”
Zaverza reached over and popped a chebo nut in her mouth. She chewed and then swallowed the juice. “All women need a strong husband and provider. Still, some do not wish to leave Karga. So they hide in their family’s larders when the raiders come, and their brothers and fathers guard them fiercely. It has always been the way of things in Karga.”
“I see,” Sabine murmured, leaning back and considering the strange customs. She wished she knew more about Pearl and when she’d left her ocean home. If Pearl had arrived during one of these raids, she might have been carried off by some desert tribesman. “When was the last raid?”
Zaverza shrugged. “Perhaps a week? They raid more frequently this time of year.” Zaverza’s eyes narrowed on the woman still resting on the other end of the spring. “Misa, the hour grows late. Your skin shall wrink
le and prune if you remain much longer. Not as pretty then, eh?”
The other woman opened her eyes and scowled at Zaverza. With a sigh, she climbed out of the bathing pool. Unfastening the pins binding her dark hair, she sneered, “I shall always be younger and prettier than you, Zaverza. Your time will end soon, and your pretty little granddaughter shall be left without a protector.”
Zaverza ignored her. The only sign of the older woman’s irritation was the louder clack as her knitting needles tapped together.
Misa approached them and studied Sabine. “You’re not completely hideous, but those pointed ears are likely a sign of the devil’s magic. I’ve heard rumors another raid is planned either tonight or tomorrow. You needn’t worry about being taken. They’ll likely kill you on sight.” The woman wrapped a loose drying cloth around herself and smirked. “I will be the first of those captured, but this time, I intend to find an even better hunter. The last one wasn’t worth my time.”
Zaverza spit the chewed chebo nut into a nearby cup. After wiping her mouth with the back of her hand, she said, “Sakiu is warming the perfumed oil for you, Misa. She will massage you to prepare you for the claiming. Best you go and ready yourself.”
The woman nodded and swept out of the room, retreating to another side door.
Zaverza picked up her knitting again and said, “Misa was already captured once. She was returned within a fortnight.”
Sabine whipped her head back toward the old woman. “They return people?”
“When they are called Misa.” Zaverza snickered, her knitting needles clicking together. “That one is both pretty and petty. Most men in Karga avoid her, claiming she’s akin to a venomous viper. Her only hope is to find one of the desert tribesmen who will take her. When a hunter captures someone as disagreeable as Misa, they sometimes dump them in front of the city. It’s considered shameful.”
Sabine frowned, no longer enjoying the effects from the hot spring. Given the direction of the conversation, she was anxious to leave. Rising from the rocky bench, Sabine gripped the edge and climbed out of the water. “She’s hoping to be captured again for a better match?”
Zaverza nodded and slowly rose to her feet. She picked up a nearby drying cloth and handed it to Sabine. “It will not happen. Misa will be captured again, but she will return again within a fortnight.” Zaverza touched her fingers to her forehead. “My mother had the sight, as did her mother before her. I see much.” She paused and gave Sabine a slow smile, revealing her missing and discolored teeth. “I also see you and those markings you try to hide. You’re one of them.”
Sabine froze, the heaviness in the air making it difficult to breathe. She’d heard of seers, those humans with the ability to see through glamour, but she’d never met one. The Fae always killed anyone with such a talent. It was too dangerous to allow them to live and risk having them divulge the Fae’s secrets. They alone had the ability to penetrate the Silver Forests and enter Faerie without an invitation. As long as they lived, her people were at risk.
Zaverza reached out and gripped Sabine’s arm tightly with surprising strength. “I foresaw your arrival, Princess. A terrible storm. A flying ship. A woman with silver hair and the royal blood of the Fae.”
A cold chill rushed through her at the woman’s words. In a voice infused with power, Sabine demanded, “Unhand me. Now.”
“You seek something,” the woman insisted, brushing off Sabine’s magic as though it were inconsequential. “I would barter with one of your kind for a favor. In exchange, I will employ my gifts to set you upon the correct path.”
Sabine’s eyes narrowed, understanding immediately how dangerous this woman could be to her kind. She hadn’t realized they could negate words of power. “Be careful, old woman. If you know who and what I am, you also know it usually doesn’t end well for your kind.”
Zaverza released her and clasped her gnarled hands together. “You may strike me down as your ancestors once did my people, it is true. I am old and will not be long of this world anyway. There is a weariness in my bones that promises my end is near. Yet I would still barter with you.”
Sabine straightened. She didn’t enjoy threatening humans, but she couldn’t allow this woman to jeopardize everything. To do so would endanger everyone depending on her. “Then name your price, Zaverza of Karga, but understand the risk. If an agreement is not reached and your silence is not assured, you will not leave this room alive.”
Zaverza nodded and her expression became calculating. “In my vision, I saw you were different from others of your kind. I also saw why you have come to Karga and what you hope to accomplish. In exchange for my information, you shall take my granddaughter with you when you leave. You will keep her and protect her the same way you protected the children of your last home.”
Sabine studied Zaverza for a long time. Lies came easily to humans, unlike they did for Fae. There was no way to ascertain whether this seer had any reliable information to share. If their culture was so steeped in superstition, Zaverza might be inclined to provide false information to put an end to Sabine’s existence. No. It was better not to trust this woman, even if she did have some knowledge of Pearl.
Sabine was about to refuse when the old woman dropped to her knees. Clasping her weathered hands together, she pleaded, “Please, Princess. I am begging you. Rika is a good girl, but she carries my same affliction. I had hoped she would be spared from this curse of sight, but her ability is now beginning to emerge. Once I am gone, she will be left without any protection.”
Sabine frowned, her resolve weakening as tears streamed down Zaverza’s face. With a sigh, she held out her hand to help Zaverza to her feet. “Rise, grandmother. I’m not insensitive to your plight. But even if I were to agree to take Rika with me, I cannot guarantee her safety. She’ll likely be in more danger, not less.”
Zaverza shook her head. “The Kiervan will kill her once they realize what she is. Even if they do not, the desert tribes will execute her once they come to claim her as a wife. It is impossible to hide our gifts without training. I will not survive long enough to show her how to protect herself.”
“And what of her uncle?”
“He does not know,” Zaverza whispered, her shoulders hunching in despair. “He shall be duty-bound to report her to the Kiervan once he learns the truth. Please, Princess. I swear on my honor and the lives of all my remaining family, you are Rika’s best hope for survival. She will be a good servant to you if that is your wish. If you cannot keep her or if she displeases you in some way, then take her somewhere safe, but please, take her away from here.”
Sabine was quiet for a long time. If Balkin, her Beastman protector, hadn’t helped her escape after the death of her mother, she’d likely have met the same end as Rika. No child, human or Fae, should ever be punished simply for being what they were. She couldn’t lie to Zaverza or make false promises, but she could offer Rika a chance to survive. In return, Rika’s abilities might give Sabine an advantage in dealing with her treacherous family. It was worth taking the chance, provided Rika and Zaverza offered her some assurances.
With a sigh, Sabine said, “I will not promise to keep her safe, since that’s beyond my abilities.”
Zaverza’s eyes filled with hope, and she clasped her hands together. “You will take her?”
“I will,” Sabine replied, hoping she wasn’t making a mistake. “Once my business in Karga is concluded, I will collect your granddaughter. I will ensure she is cared for until she learns to hide her gifts, but I will not risk any of my companion’s lives for hers.”
Zaverza nodded eagerly. She opened her mouth to speak, but Sabine held up her hand to stop her. “Before I leave here today, you will both swear a blood oath to keep your silence about my identity. Your granddaughter will also need to swear fealty to me.”
“Of course. Anything. We will both swear.”
“Then allow me to dress, and summon your granddaughter,” Sabine said, wringing the excess water from her hair. �
�The hour grows late, and I need to meet up with a companion.”
Zaverza motioned for Sabine to follow her. Wrapping the drying cloth tighter around herself, Sabine headed into the adjacent room. It was similar to the first room, with lounging cushions scattered around the floor. Colorful lanterns cast their firelight upon the walls, giving the room a warm and welcoming appearance.
Rika was standing near a low table, her knuckles white as she gripped the handle of the jug she held. Her eyes were wide as her gaze darted back and forth between her grandmother and Sabine.
“All is well, granddaughter,” Zaverza said, gesturing for Rika to put down the jug. She turned back toward Sabine. “Your belongings are on the table. No one will disturb us in here. Please, dress and relax. Would you care for more wine?”
“That won’t be necessary,” Sabine said, walking to her bag and the clothing Malek had purchased. Her weapons had been laid out beside them.
“M-may I help you dress?” Rika approached hesitantly as though fearful of being rebuked.
Sabine paused, studying the young girl she was about to accept as her charge. After a long moment, she nodded. Rika picked up the blue dress and approached her, showing her how to fasten the silvered metal rings of the belt to keep the lightweight material in place.
“The color becomes you, mistress,” Rika said softly as she finished fastening the last buckle.
Sabine took Rika’s hand and gently pulled her around to stand in front of her. “Your grandmother told me you’ve inherited her gift. Is this true?”
Rika swallowed and nodded.
“Can you see me as I truly am?”
Rika’s expression became fearful. In a voice barely above a whisper, she said, “Not yet. I caught a glimpse when you approached from outside, but when I tried to focus on you, I couldn’t see you again.”
Zaverza adjusted the shawl over her shoulders and said, “It will be some time before she can pierce the illusions of your people at will. I had warned her you would be arriving today, and she was outside keeping watch for you.”
By Blood and Magic Page 12
