by Kalyn Crowe
She walked near and warbled.
She couldn't be, no. Tilly wasn't Matilda; otherwise, she would be more drawn to Conrad, as he would her.
He said, "Philomena said we wouldn't heal by ignoring wounds." He sniffed and still smiled even as he shook his head. "I guess I took that as her permission to bring you back here when the time came." He sighed and shut his eyes.
We all shared in the turmoil of this world — each of us in our ways. I once thought I could escape sorrow if I held a better position, but Conrad still suffered reality. Everyone could drown no matter the depth or age of the water. We all had to keep our heads up.
Eda and Leyla had finished the tickets and our last reason to delay.
Mother's coat looked perfectly passable as an Apex invoker's.
Our bags waited, packed, and ready to go.
Kepi watched as she had in the outfitter's attic when I agreed to go with Conrad.
Eda helped Leyla into Kat's coat and hat. She took all but two of Kat's silver ropes off Leyla's shoulder. "I will skip any theatrics and simply say I love you." She kissed Leyla on the forehead. "Stay safe."
Leyla hugged her tight. Her scroll floated behind, and she said, "I will. I love you, too."
I threw my mother's jacket around me and buttoned it.
Conrad took a few silver ropes from his shoulder. "Would you like them all on the same shoulder or even on both?"
"Just one."
He put them through my epaulet. "Same as your mother."
I half-smiled.
Eda came over and extended her hands.
I walked up and hugged her.
Conrad stood by the cellar door as Eda let go. He said, "It's time. You have your gear, food, and map."
Rhys came over. "Yes, sir."
Kat approached and touched my forehead. "You feel all right? Do you have strain or dizziness?"
"I'm fine. Hopefully, I won't be picking locks or hiding in Abyss seals any time soon."
She smirked and left her hand on my head. "Vivify."
A jolt of energy surged through my veins. "You didn't use the old language."
She shrugged. "Easier to understand, and it's a pretty word."
"It is."
"The boost will last a few days. I can't do more, or it will stress your body in another way." She almost hid how sad she felt, but it came through in her magic.
I bowed my head. "Thank you for finding me," I said.
She bowed back and said, "Here." In her hand dangled a crystal pendant.
A soft golden glow came from within it.
"This necklace holds healing for spell sickness. Same trigger word as the spell."
"All right."
She slipped it over my head. "To the scan out of town, it will appear as a simple imbued light charm or an Apex only glow pendant. You'll still need the scroll to trace like an Apexist." She sighed. "And I don't have access to a Conductist for a regular healing trinket. I used the little I had left on Gunnar, not knowing what the future held, but there are bandages in each pack."
Gunnar helped Leyla on with hers.
Rhys and I hoisted on our own.
After, he picked up a braided silk rope from the floor and knelt by Tilly. "Sorry, but you have to dress up, too."
She batted her wings but then lowered her head.
He slipped a loop under her wings and made another around her neck for a little harness. "It's purple. You like purple."
She nibbled it.
He stood and patted his hip, his arm, and then his collar.
He saw I watched him.
"Making sure I have everything. You are missing your black bag."
Leyla lifted it. "I should wear it. It's a hunter bag."
"Also, it can hold Kepi," I said.
She put it over her shoulder, rolled the scroll tight in her palm, and handed it to me.
I blinked at it.
When I still didn't take it, she lifted the flap on the bag, and Kepi jumped in.
She peeked out and cooed.
I finally took the scroll and slipped it into what was now my jacket. "I'll be careful."
She signed, "Thank you." She did the same to the others in the room, twice at Conrad, and put a foot on the stairs out. Then she signed one more thing to Eda.
She said back, "I love you, too."
Leyla opened the door.
Rhys followed her out with Tilly after a salute at Gunnar and a wave to Kat.
Conrad stopped me. "Good luck."
I hugged him.
With that, I left the cellar and entered a world unchanged but different.
Again.
✽✽✽
We left the warehouses behind and entered back into the city proper. Templar guard patrols stood in almost every corner. Some tipped their heads as we passed, others scowled at Rhys.
My steps sped as my pulse raced.
Vicars and invokers, even the rare hunter, passed us.
I couldn't believe how easily we walked the streets, but then I realized, everyone stared at Tilly. They didn't question. After all, they lived in Pinnacle.
We arrived at the Sleigh station entrance.
Security seemed too sparse — especially given the several high profile people who just went missing.
A younger templar guard came over and saluted all three of us. He wore a single silver rope under his pauldron. "Good evening, Ladies and," he blinked at Rhys and Tilly, who stood behind us, "Fortier and, um, well, you'll need special permits for an… is that one of the Chimeras?"
I almost laughed, but gestured to Tilly and cleared my throat. "The Theocratic Council and our High Lord Travere have issued the small Chimera as compensation for the Order's unique failure to train Apprentice Fortier."
Rhys wore a troubled face and held Tilly's leash with fidgety hands.
"Is Gunnar Armistead truly missing?" said the guardsman.
"Has this issue not been brought to your attention?" I crossed my arms and used one of Bora's best down the nose glares.
"Yes, of course." He stared at my shoulder ropes and straightened up. "Lady Invoker, forgive me, this is highly unusual." He glanced at Tilly. "I'll need you to speak with my superior."
"Do hurry, Guardsman." My palms started to sweat.
In only moments two templars came towards us. One stout and seasoned. The other tall, lean, and distinctly green.
The guardsman stood a distance behind but in earshot. A small crowd of people tried to appear uninterested in what happened but hung on every word.
The short Templar said, "So, the guard tells me you're escorting Fortier home. Also, the Chimera is restitution?"
"Correct."
He crossed his brows. "They are sending two Order members for this?" He studied both Leyla and I each for a few moments. "Not just a templar officer?"
"Correct," I said again.
He tried to hide a scowl.
I swallowed. "I would very much like not to miss the train."
The tall one seemed a bit wide-eyed over everything.
"I'm sorry to delay you further, but would you do me the service of seeing your orders for this?" The short one looked as if he'd heard this story a hundred times today.
No wind made its way between the dense buildings, but I shivered. "You understand that it is highly irregular to show you my private orders." I noticed that I held my elbows and wiped my hands dry on my sleeves as I uncrossed my arms.
"I sure do, but with everything happening lately, you'll forgive me, Lady Invoker."
I met Rhys' glance, and then his eyes dropped to my chest, then back to my eyes, and finally fell on Leyla.
Her scroll.
She nodded.
I pulled it from the inner breast pocket and bit at the inside of my lip. With it still rolled in my hand, I said, "Reveal."
Then I slowly unrolled it. Gold glazed over my face, and I turned it toward the guards.
The short one reached for it.
I pulled it backward. "You
may read it from my hand. The imbuement will fade in yours."
"Uh, yes, sorry." He mumbled, "Damn white coats." He scanned over our fake names, the mission, and permission to gift 'Chimera Twelve.'
One of Leyla's eyes twitched.
On the bottom of her scroll glowed the perfect likeness of High Lord Travere's signature. The stamp of the Theocratic Council showed beside it, a nice touch.
Finally, he finished, and I lowered the scroll. With incredible speed, it rolled back on itself.
Leyla sighed.
I slipped her scroll back into my jacket with great relief. I couldn't imagine how she managed such a trick.
Both templars lowered their shoulders and looked at one another.
The tall one seemed stunned. "Never seen such an order."
"You are not an Apexist," I said as snooty as possible.
"I apologize. I can expedite your boarding process, should you like," said the short, serious one.
"That would be most appreciated. I would be willing to let Lady Farago know of your aid should you get us to the head of the Form line."
His eyes lit up, and he rubbed his hands together. "Yes, of course, Lady Invoker." He bowed. To the tall Templar, he said, "Stay here and see to any of their needs." He hurried back toward the station.
"Right, sir." The tall Templar motioned the guardsman over. Neither of them could be more than a few years older than Rhys. "Need to keep this quiet, all right?"
The guardsman gave him a sharp nod.
"So, they are sending you home, Fortier?" said the guard.
"It's only temporary. I can't complain the Order sent these two with me. You know, to oversee my safe passage." He threaded his thumbs into his belt and smirked.
The tall Templar blew out a soft whistle. "Order must worry about making a good impression on your family after all this." He smiled unnecessarily at Leyla and me.
Great.
An awkward silence accompanied our wait. It suited me fine, but others tilted from foot to foot and looked around.
Except the guardsman stared at Rhys. "I'm curious," he said.
Rhys cut him off. "Me too." He handed me Tilly's leash.
"About what?" The guardsman leaned on his sword's hilt.
The tall one looked between them, clearly confused.
Something genius or disastrous was about to happen.
Rhys gave them a smug nod but then reached for both their shoulders. "I'm curious what a couple of stand-up guys like you are doing at this gate." He turned them around and guided them closer to the station. "I mean, the exit gate of the city? You guys deserve a better post." He glanced at me over his shoulder.
They both looked at him with surprise.
"I mean, think about it, sure this is important work, but, well, I have to wonder." He blew out a dramatic sigh. "You know what, I have to confess, we're lying about everything."
Leyla grabbed my wrist, eyes wide.
My heart shot up into my throat.
"Lady Hunter, we can trust these two. Right, guys?" Rhys said.
"Of course. We heard the Lady Invoker mention about Lady Farago. We don't want to be getting on her bad side." The tall one licked his lips.
"See? These guys are top-notch, the best." Rhys put his arms around them both and squeezed.
Leyla let go and raised her eyebrow.
The tall one covered his mouth. "Man, she's a spooky one."
"Tell me about it." Rhys grinned. "Guys, this is all a show."
They nodded.
"The real reason I have to leave is, Bora, I mean, sorry we're close after all this. Lady Farago worries Armistead is after me. Maybe even already left the city and is headed to my family's farm."
"No way." The tall one glanced at the crowd and back.
The guardsman still looked hesitant to buy all this. "Why would he be after you?"
"It was me who outed him. He'd been acting weird for months. Then this attack story, I mean, it's insane he knew where it was and just happened to look like a hero. He was the one who couldn't find a trace of High Templar Ansgar."
Finally, the guardsman's face turned from skepticism to real surprise. "Apex rest his soul."
Rhys touched his chest and lowered his head.
The tall one said, "That's why Lady Farago said we didn't have reason to arrest you."
"Right. Lady Farago wants to keep where I am secret. My very life is on the line here. The Chimera is along as an early warning since she can smell Gunnar a mile off. I mean, we don't even speak of the Chimeras out of the city, let alone give one away? You guys were right to question."
Well, so much for a straightforward strike story, but this was much juicier.
The guardsman said, "I see, that makes a lot more sense. Man." He shook his head. "That was ballsy Fortier, going straight to Lady Farago about your own master." He looked over at us and blushed. "Sorry for my language, Ladies."
I said, "No, you are right, although now I must ask you not to share this with anyone. Even your superiors." I glared at Rhys. Some added emphasis couldn't hurt. "This is of the utmost secrecy. Not betraying this trust would show a commendable amount of conviction and duty."
They stood straight and bowed. "Yes, Lady Invoker," they said in unison.
I wondered how old I looked in this coat. "Additionally, a show of a great deal of humility not to brag to one's superiors, the credit will come."
They bowed again, and the guardsman said, "Of course, Lady Invoker."
Rhys patted their backs. "Speaking of which, looks like the boss is on his way back."
The stout Templar gave him a long look and said, "I apologize again for the delay. If you will follow me?" He walked us over to the station, and my muscles tensed again.
Rhys's sideshow helped, but no antics would get us through the ring if Kepi's trick didn't work.
"Let me get you three to the front of the line. I can take the creature around the ring. It won't let her pass without a scene. She is safe on the rope?"
Tilly looked up.
"I promise," I said.
She warbled and followed the Templar.
The Form ring hovered around a bridge as before. This much larger station housed seven identical setups.
Rhys walked over the ring's bridge with no issue.
Leyla followed, and her hand rested on my bag. On Kepi. She turned and adjusted her hat once she stepped on the other side.
The invokers who managed the Form ring motioned for me to cross.
"I should disclose my light necklace. This scroll may also set off the ring."
One of them said, "We will disregard any Apex given your Attunement, Lady Invoker."
I gulped. One step at a time, I crossed the bridge through the ring.
It illuminated, but the invokers nodded at one another. "Please enjoy your trip."
I bowed. "Thank you."
The short Templar met us with Tilly near the line exit.
I took her leash.
In only a few minutes, we came to the foot of the boarding ramp. We gave the short Templar our tickets, and he pointed to the car and cabin numbers. "Car four, cabin one." He grinned.
"Outstanding, Lord Templar."
He smiled even more at the mention of his title. "There will be guards available should the creature get out of hand." He bowed and took his leave.
A vicar showed us into our cabin past no other travelers. They likely cleared the way because of Tilly. Perfect, but it bothered me that they thought of her as a monster.
"We would like not to be disturbed," I said.
"Of course, Lady Invoker, please pull the call rope should you need anything." They left us in our cabin.
Leyla shut and locked the door.
"Nice work with the scroll, Leyla." Rhys smiled.
We both looked at him.
I said, "Where did you pull that show from?"
He bowed with one arm in front, and the other flung out at his side. "I don't know. Antics like those aren't natural
for a gentleman like myself." He pulled at his arming jacket and adjusted his collar.
"Oh, yes, of course," I said and smirked.
"Hey, that guy was looking for a secret, so I gave them one."
Kepi poked her head out of the bag.
I scratched between her ears and handed Rhys Tilly's leash. "You'd be a good spy," I remembered the two who helped me at the start of this journey, "have you ever thought about running a store as a front or wearing a dress?"
He combed his fingers through his hair with a little smile. "What style do you think I could pull off?"
A sigh came from below. Tilly. Her crests laid flat, and her wings hung low.
Rhys knelt and said, "You all right, Lady?"
I bent over to eye level with her.
She cocked her head.
"Is that a Chimera?" I said low and dumb. I covered my mouth and faked a gasp. "What if you got out of hand? We'll need big strong guards to help us." I rolled my eyes. "As if they could," I added with a wink.
She warbled, and her body shook as if she laughed.
I patted her back. "You were in my mother's memory of the Counterbalance. She thought you were important, and so do I."
She widened her eyes, even her pupils grew.
Rhys smoothed the golden crests on her head and said, "You guys aren't the only ones."
The scroll shook in my jacket.
I pulled my collar loose.
The scroll flew out, and Leyla said, "Did you come with for her or to clear Gunnar?"
He shrugged. "Both?"
Leyla grabbed his shoulder. "How much did you overhear when you were fake sleeping?"
He pulled away and shrugged again. "A bunch of girl-talk stuff. Look, Ladies, we can talk more about dresses and whatever later." He bent down and rolled back the rug.
She and I met glances, and I shook my head. If he knew about me, which he likely did, it didn't matter to him, and that meant the world.
Near the outside wall, Rhys revealed a service door set flush into the floor. "Just like Conrad said." He turned and then pulled on its two handles.
The square section lifted out of its socket and revealed an opening to the underside of the Sleigh. The broad mono-track ran below. Something dark with a slight glitter surrounded it and filled the area.
Rhys lowered his head through the hole and looked around. He sat back up. "A drop about my height and invokers are working two cars toward the rear. The drainage gap in the wall is where? I didn't see it."
