The Priory of the Orange Tree

by Samantha Shannon

  “I will wait here,” Nayimathun said.

  Tané patted her in return. She lit her lantern and walked into the trees.

  This was her inheritance. The island for outcasts.

  One fateful day, as a child in Ampiki, Tané had followed a butterfly to the sea. Elder Vara had told her that in some tales, butterflies were the spirits of the dead, sent by the great Kwiriki. Like dragons, they changed their shape, and so the great Kwiriki in his wisdom had chosen them as his messengers from the celestial plane. If not for that butterfly, Tané would have perished with her parents, and the jewel might have been lost.

  Hours she walked the silent forest. Here and there, she found glimpses of what must once have stood a thousand years before. Foundations of houses long since fallen. Shards of cord-marked pottery. The blade of an axe. She wondered if, beneath the ground, the soil was packed with bones. Unsure of what she was looking for, or why, she walked until she found a cave. Inside was a statue of a woman, whittled into the rock, her face weathered but whole.

  Tané knew that face. It was her own.

  She set the lantern down and knelt before the Firstblood. In her mind, she had thought of all the things she had wanted to say to her, but now she was here, she had only one.

  “Thank you.”

  Neporo gazed back at her, unblinking.

  Tané watched her, feeling as if she were in a dream. She stayed until the lantern had burned out. In the darkness, she took the stair she had taken once before, up to the ripped-up mulberry tree that had died beneath the stars. Tané lay beside it and fell asleep.

  In the morning, a white butterfly was cupped in her hand, and her side was damp with blood.

  76

  West

  The Rose Eternal skirted the western coast of Yscalin. Since Fýredel had disappeared, its people had begun to rebuild the damage wrought in the Draconic Years. Prayer houses and sanctuaries rose from the wreckage. Lavender was planted in the fields that had been burned. And soon enough, red pear trees would sweeten the streets of Cárscaro again.

  Mereswine leaped together from the waves, spraying water. Dusk had fallen, but Ead had never felt more awake. The salt wind danced through her hair, and she breathed it deep into her lungs.

  Prioress. She who stood where the Mother once had. Guardian of the orange tree.

  All her life she had been a handmaiden. She had never known what it was to rule. She had also spent enough time with Sabran to know that a crown was a heavy weight to bear—but the Priory of the Orange Tree did not possess a crown. She was not an empress or a queen, but one cloak among many.

  She would find out where Fýredel had hidden, and she would slay him as she had his master. She would not rest until the only fire that ascended came through the orange tree, and the mages who ate of its fruit. And when the Long-Haired Star came once more, the balance would be restored.

  Gian Harlowe came to join her at the stern, clay pipe in hand. He lit it with a taper, breathed in deeply, and puffed out a wreath of blue-tinged smoke. Ead watched it drift away.

  “Queen Marosa will invite the foreign sovereigns to her court in the spring, I hear,” he said. “To open Yscalin again.”

  Ead nodded. “Let us hope that this peace holds.”

  “Aye.”

  For a time, the only sound was the waves.

  “Captain,” Ead said, and Harlowe grunted, “at the Inysh court, there are rumors about you, spoken deep in the shadows. Rumors that you courted Queen Rosarian.” She watched his brow darken. “They say you meant to take her to the Milk Lagoon.”

  “The Milk Lagoon is a fable,” he said curtly. “A tale whispered to children and lovers without hope.”

  “A wise young woman told me once that all legends grow from a seed of truth.”

  “Is it you or the Queen of Inys who desires the truth?”

  Ead waited, watching his face. Those eyes were in a distant past.

  “She was never much like Rose.” His voice softened. “She was night-born, you know. They say that makes a child grave . . . but Rose came into the world at the lark’s calling.”

  He drew on his pipe again.

  “Some truths,” he said, “are safest buried. Some castles best kept in the sky. There’s promise in tales that are yet to be spoken. In the shadow realm, known only to the few.” He glanced at her. “You ought to know, Eadaz uq-Nāra. You whose secrets will one day be a song.”

  With the faintest smile, Ead cast her gaze toward the stars.

  “One day, perhaps,” she said. “But not today.”

  The Persons of the Tale

  Eastern names are listed by family name first. Western, Northern, and Southern names are listed by given name first.

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  THE STORYTELLERS

  Arteloth “Loth” Beck: Heir apparent to the wealthy northern province of the Leas in Inys and the estate of Goldenbirch. Elder child of Lord Clarent and Lady Annes Beck, brother of Margret Beck, and closest friend of Sabran IX of Inys.

  Eadaz du Zāla uq-Nāra (also known as Ead Duryan): An initiate of the Priory of the Orange Tree, currently posing as an Ordinary Chamberer in the Upper Household of Sabran IX of Inys. She is a descendant of Siyāti uq-Nāra, who was the closest friend of Cleolind Onjenyu.

  Niclays Roos: An anatomist and alchemist from the Free State of Mentendon and former friend of Edvart II. He was banished by Sabran IX of Inys to Orisima, the last Western trading post in Seiiki.

  Tané: A Seiikinese orphan who was drafted into the Houses of Learning as a child to train for the High Sea Guard. Principal apprentice from the South House.

  THE EAST

  Chief Officer: The official responsible for security for the Mentish trading post of Orisima.

  Dranghien VI: Unceasing Emperor of the Twelve Lakes, current head of the House of Lakseng. Like all his bloodline, he claims descent from the Carrier of Light, who the Lacustrine believe was the first human to befriend a dragon when it fell from the heavens.

  Dumusa: Principal apprentice from the West House, of Miduchi descent. Her paternal grandfather was a Southern explorer, executed for defying the Great Edict.

  Elder Vara: Healer and archivist at Vane Hall on Feather Island.

  Ghonra: Heir to the Fleet of the Tiger Eye, adopted daughter of the Golden Empress, and captain of the White Crow. She styles herself “Princess of the Sundance Sea.”

  The Golden Empress: Leader of the Fleet of the Tiger Eye—the most formidable pirate fleet in the East, comprising some 40,000 pirates—and captain of its largest treasure ship, the Pursuit. She drives the illegal trade in dragonflesh.

  Governor of Cape Hisan: The official in charge of administrating the Seiikinese region of Cape Hisan. He is responsible for ensuring that the Lacustrine and Mentish settlers adhere to Seiikinese law.

  Governor of Ginura: The official in charge of administrating the Seiikinese capital of Ginura. She is also the chief magistrate of Seiiki. Traditionally, this post is always held by a member of the House of Nadama.

  Grand Empress Dowager: A member of the House of Lakseng through marriage. She was official regent for her grandson, the Unceasing Emperor of the Twelve Lakes, during his minority.

  Ishari: An apprentice from the South House. Roommate to Tané.

  Kanperu: An apprentice from the West House.

  Laya Yidagé: Interpreter to the Golden Empress. She was taken prisoner by the Fleet of the Tiger Eye after attempting to follow her adventurous father to Seiiki.

  Moyaka Eizaru: A physician from Ginura. Father of Purumé. Friend and former student of Niclays Roos.

  Moyaka Purumé: An anatomist and botanist from Ginura. Daughter of Eizaru. Friend and former student of Niclays Roos.

  Muste: Assistant to Niclays Roos in Orisima. Companion of Panaya.

  Nadama Pitosu: Warlord of Seiiki and current head of the House of Nadama. He is descended from the First Warlord, who took up arms to avenge the fallen House of Noziken.

  Onren: Principal apprentice from the E
ast House.

  Padar: Navigator on the Pursuit.

  Panaya: A resident of Cape Hisan and interpreter to the settlers of Orisima. Companion to Muste.

  Sea General: Commander of the High Sea Guard of Seiiki. Head of Clan Miduchi. Current rider of Tukupa the Silver.

  Susa: A resident of Cape Hisan and childhood friend of Tané. A street urchin until she was adopted by an innkeeper.

  Turosa: Principal apprentice from the North House, of Miduchi descent, famed for his skill with blades. Long-time rival of Tané.

  Viceroy of Orisima: The Mentish official who oversees the trading post of Orisima.

  DECEASED AND HISTORICAL PERSONS OF THE EAST

  Little Shadow-girl: A mythical figure. A peasant who sacrificed her life to reunite the Spring Dragon with the pearl that had been stolen from her.

  Neporo: Self-declared Queen of Komoridu. Very little is known about her.

  Noziken Mokwo: A former Empress of Seiiki. Head of the House of Noziken during her reign.

  Snow-Walking Maiden: A semilegendary figure. She nursed Kwiriki back to health when he was injured and in the guise of a bird. To thank her, Kwiriki carved her the Rainbow Throne and gave her power over Seiiki. She was the founding member of the House of Noziken and the first Empress of Seiiki.

  THE SOUTH

  Chassar uq-Ispad: A mage of the Priory of the Orange Tree and its chief link to the outside world. He poses as an ambassador to King Jantar and Queen Saiyma of the Ersyr to allow him access to foreign courts. He helped raise Eadaz uq-Nāra after the sudden death of her birthmother. Chassar has a gift for taming birds, often using Sarsun and Parspa to carry out his work.

  Jantar I (the Splendid): King of the Ersyr and current head of the House of Taumargam. Spouse to Queen Saiyma and an ally of the Priory of the Orange Tree.

  Jondu du Ishruka uq-Nāra: Childhood friend and mentor to Eadaz uq-Nāra. She was sent to Inys to find Ascalon. Like Eadaz, she is a descendant of Siyāti uq-Nāra.

  Kagudo Onjenyu: High Ruler of the Domain of Lasia and current head of the House of Onjenyu. She is a descendant of Selinu the Oathkeeper through his son, the half-brother of Cleolind Onjenyu. Kagudo is an ally of the Priory of the Orange Tree and has been guarded by Red Damsels since the day she was born.

  Mita Yedanya: Prioress of the Orange Tree. She was formerly the munguna, or heir presumptive.

  Nairuj Yedanya: A Red Damsel of the Priory of the Orange Tree and its presumed munguna.

  Saiyma Taumargam: Queen consort of the Ersyr and spouse of Jantar I.

  DECEASED AND HISTORICAL PERSONS OF THE SOUTH

  Butterfly Queen: A semimythical figure. She was a beloved queen consort of the Ersyr, but died young, plunging her king into unending grief.

  Cleolind Onjenyu (the Mother or the Damsel): Crown princess of the Domain of Lasia and daughter of Selinu the Oathkeeper. Founder of the Priory of the Orange Tree. The religion of the Virtues of Knighthood professes that she wed Sir Galian Berethnet and became queen consort of Inys after he defeated the Nameless One to save her. Members of the Priory believe it was Cleolind who vanquished the beast, and most believe she did not leave with Galian. Cleolind died after leaving the Priory on unknown business not long after its foundation.

  Dawnsinger: A prophet of the ancient Ersyr. Among his predictions, he claimed that the sun would rise from the Dreadmount and sweep away Gulthaga, which was locked in a bitter war with his people.

  Melancholy King: A semimythical figure, said to have been an early king of the House of Taumargam. He wandered into the desert, following a mirage of his wife, the Butterfly Queen, and died of thirst. Ersyris use him as a cautionary tale, most often to warn against blind love.

  Selinu the Oathkeeper: High Ruler of Lasia and head of the House of Onjenyu when the Nameless One settled in Yikala. He organized a lottery of lives to placate the beast, which ended only when his own daughter, Cleolind, was chosen as the sacrifice.

  Siyāti uq-Nāra: The beloved friend and handmaiden of Cleolind Onjenyu. She became Prioress of the Orange Tree after Cleolind died abroad. Many sisters and brothers of the Priory are descended from Siyāti through her seven children.

  Zāla du Agriya uq-Nāra: A sister of the Priory of the Orange Tree and birthmother to Eadaz du Zāla uq-Nāra. She was poisoned when Eadaz was six.

  VIRTUDOM

  Aleidine Teldan utt Kantmarkt: A member of the wealthy Teldan family, she was ennobled upon her marriage to Lord Jannart utt Zeedeur, the future Duke of Zeedeur. She is now known as the Dowager Duchess of Zeedeur. Grandmother of Truyde

  Annes Beck (Lady Goldenbirch): Daughter of the Baron and Baroness of Greensward. Countess of Goldenbirch through her marriage to Lord Clarent Beck. Mother to Arteloth and Margret. Former Lady of the Bedchamber to Rosarian IV of Inys.

  Arbella “Bella” Glenn (Viscountess Suth): One of the three Ladies of the Bedchamber to Sabran IX of Inys and Keeper of the Queen’s Jewels. She was also Lady of the Bedchamber, milk nurse, and Mistress of the Robes to the late Rosarian IV. Since Rosarian’s death, she has never spoken.

  Aubrecht II (the Red Prince): High Prince of the Free State of Mentendon, Archduke of Brygstad, and current head of the House of Lievelyn. Grand-nephew of the late Prince Leovart and nephew of the late Prince Edvart. Brother to Ermuna, Bedona, and Betriese. He is the eldest of the siblings.

  Bedona Lievelyn: Princess of the Free State of Mentendon. Sister to Aubrecht, Ermuna, and Betriese.

  Betriese Lievelyn: Princess of the Free State of Mentendon. Sister to Aubrecht, Ermuna, and Bedona. She is the youngest of the siblings, born just after Bedona, her identical twin.

  Calidor Stillwater: Second son of Nelda Stillwater, the Duchess of Courage. Companion of Lady Roslain Crest and father of Lady Elain Crest.

  Chieftain of Askrdal: Highest-ranking nobleman in the ancient Duchy of Askrdal in Hróth. A friend of Lady Igrain Crest.

  Clarent Beck (Lord Goldenbirch): Earl of Goldenbirch and Keeper of the Leas. Companion of Lady Annes Beck. Father to Arteloth and Margret.

  Elain Crest: Daughter of Lady Roslain Crest and Lord Calidor Stillwater. She is expected to inherit the Duchy of Justice after her mother, who is next in line.

  Ermuna Lievelyn: Crown princess of the Free State of Mentendon and Archduchess of Ostendeur. Sister to Aubrecht, Bedona, and Betriese.

  Estina Melaugo: Boatswain on the Rose Eternal.

  Gautfred Plume: Quartermaster on the Rose Eternal.

  Gian Harlowe: An Inysh privateer and captain of the Rose Eternal. Rumored to have been the lover of Rosarian IV of Inys, who gifted him the ship.

  Grance Lambren: A member of the Knights of the Body.

  Gules Heath: Longest-serving member of the Knights of the Body.

  Hallan Bourn: Royal Physician to Sabran IX of Inys.

  Helchen Roos: Mother of Niclays Roos. She has been estranged from her son for decades.

  Igrain Crest: Duchess of Justice, Lady High Treasurer of Inys, and current head of the Crest family. She was regent in all but name during the minority of Sabran IX of Inys and remains her trusted advisor on the Virtues Council.

  Jillet Lidden: A maid of honor in the Upper Household of Sabran IX of Inys. She often sings at court.

  Joan Dale: A member of the Knights of the Body and second-in-command to Sir Tharian Lintley. She is a distant relative of Sir Antor Dale.

  Kalyba (the Lady of the Woods or the Witch of Inysca): A mysterious figure in Inysh history. Creator of Ascalon. She is said to have lived in the haithwood in the north of Inys, and to have abducted and murdered children.

  Katryen “Kate” Withy: Mistress of the Robes and one of the three Ladies of the Bedchamber to Sabran IX of Inys. She is the favorite niece of Lord Bartal Withy, the Duke of Fellowship.

  Kitston Glade: Poet at the court of Sabran IX of Inys and friend of Lord Arteloth Beck. Sole heir of the Earl and Countess of Honeybrook. Heir apparent to the province of the Downs.

  Lemand Fynch: Acting Duke of Temperance and Lord Admiral o
f Inys in place of his missing uncle, Lord Wilstan Fynch, whose position he fills on the Virtues Council. Acting head of the Fynch family.

  Linora Payling: Daughter of the Earl and Countess of Payling Hill. She is an Ordinary Chamberer in the Upper Household of Sabran IX of Inys.

  Margret “Meg” Beck: Daughter and younger child of Lord Clarent and Lady Annes Beck. She is an Ordinary Chamberer in the Upper Household of Sabran IX of Inys and Keeper of the Privy Library. Sister to Arteloth Beck.

  Marke Birchen: A member of the Knights of the Body.

  Marosa Vetalda: Donmata of Yscalin. Daughter of Sigoso III and his late companion, Queen Sahar.

  Nelda Stillwater: Duchess of Courage and Lady Chancellor of Inys. Current head of the Stillwater family.

  Oliva Marchyn: Mother of the Maids, who oversees the maids of honor.

  Oscarde utt Zeedeur: Duke of Zeedeur and Mentish ambassador to the Queendom of Inys. Son of Lord Jannart utt Zeedeur and Lady Aleidine Teldan utt Kantmarkt.

  Priessa Yelarigas: First Lady of the Bedchamber to the Donmata Marosa of Yscalin.

  Ranulf Heath the Younger: Earl of Deorn and Keeper of the Lakes. His father, Ranulf Heath the Elder, was prince consort to Jillian VI of Inys, grandmother of Sabran IX.

  Raunus III: King of Hróth and current head of the House of Hraustr.

  Ritshard Eller: Duke of Generosity and current head of the Eller family. A member of the Dukes Spiritual.

  Roslain Crest: Chief Gentlewoman of the Bedchamber to Queen Sabran IX of Inys and heir apparent to the Duchy of Justice. Her mother, Lady Helain Crest, held the same position in the household of Rosarian IV. Roslain is the companion of Lord Calidor Stillwater, mother of Lady Elain Crest, and granddaughter of Lady Igrain Crest.

  Sabran IX (the Magnificent): Thirty-sixth queen of Inys and current head of the House of Berethnet. Daughter of Rosarian IV. Like all members of her dynasty, she claims descent from Sir Galian Berethnet and Princess Cleolind of Lasia.

  Seyton Combe (the Night Hawk): Duke of Courtesy, Principal Secretary, and spymaster to Sabran IX of Inys.