Deadly Fate [Book 1 of the Teadai Prophecies]

by Dana Davis

  “Ved’nuri wishes to have morning meal with you in her anteroom. Come.”

  Saldia wanted to dance at the attention. Ved’nuri never ate morning meal with her. The Fetch allowed them in. The throne room seemed eerie without other Gypsies here, and Saldia stepped quietly as she followed Kia past the empty throne chairs to one of the far doors. The servant knocked and waited for permission to enter then she opened the door, bobbed a moderate curtsy and motioned Saldia in, shutting the door behind her. Saldia made a low curtsy and stood with head bowed as she waited for instruction.

  “Sit, Gypsy-child Saldia.” Ved’nuri sat at a table motioned to the opposite chair.

  “Thank you, Ved’nuri.” She took the offered chair. The room was spacious and inviting, yet Saldia felt a bit uncomfortable in such a personal setting with this woman.

  The crowned woman smiled and cocked her head. “I’m fairly certain you’ve learned your lesson about hiding from me. Which you should know by now is futile.”

  Saldia swallowed and nodded. “Yes, Ved’nuri.” She forced her eyes on the woman, though she really wanted to study the lines in the wooden floor. How many were there?

  Ved’nuri seemed to know her thoughts inside the dome. There was a knock on the door and Saldia practically jumped out of her hide. Blazes! She was so brave just a heartbeat ago. In fact, she had been excited.

  “Come,” Ved’nuri said. Was that a smirk on her lips?

  Three servants entered, curtsied while balancing trays, and set the table with fruit, ham steak, eggs, bread and tea. A fourth stepped in and Saldia recognized the woman. Mavine, first servant to Ved’nuri.

  Mavine always gave a tiny curtsy to the Vedi, not the lower genuflection many offered. She waved the others out and stepped to the table then placed hands on her ample hips. Her graying hair sat in a bun atop her head and lines accented her eyes and thin mouth. “You’ll eat everything put in front of you.” Saldia nearly fell out of her chair when she realized Mavine spoke to Ved’nuri. “You need nutrition and if you can’t see fit to feed yourself then I’ll do it for you. Gypsies long ago gave me this assignment and I swore oaths to carry it out, no matter who attempts to get in my way. You are Ved’nuri but I’m older than you by centuries. Now eat.”

  “Yes, Mavine,” Ved’nuri said.

  The old woman seemed satisfied then turned her gaze to Saldia. “You’ll do well to learn Ved’nuri’s lessons, youngling. If you tire her with foolish behavior, I’ll make the rest of your stay here quite miserable.”

  “Yes, Mavine.” She was barely able to keep her jaw from dropping to the floor.

  “And you eat too, youngling. Every bite.” The first servant gave a slight curtsy to Ved’nuri and left the room, closing the door behind her.

  Saldia stared after her then realized her rudeness and turned her gaze to Ved’nuri.

  The crowned woman smiled. “Mavine was put in charge of the dome very long ago. Her manner can be abrupt but she cares what happens to my child. She would give her life for her kin.”

  Saldia wanted to choke and she hadn’t even eaten a single bite yet. “You’re…you’re… congratulations, Ved’nuri.”

  “Thank you, youngling. We made the announcement to the Elders and full Gypsies three days ago. Younglings and new-oathed will be told today. If Ved’mana’s calculations are correct, this child will be born in six moons or so.” One hand went to her belly. “Tonight there will be a celebration and you’ll go back with your clan for the festivities. You’ll return here to sleep and continue your studies.”

  “Thank you, Ved’nuri. And I’ll do my best not to tire you.” She offered a grin. “I have no doubts Mavine would make me miserable.” Ved’nuri chuckled and Saldia studied her.

  “I wasn’t always Ved’nuri.” The crowned woman dished food for both. “Your clan mother and I spent many seasons together as younglings. But I’m pleased you’re so cooperative. Mavine isn’t the only one who’ll make you miserable if you displease me.”

  “Yes, Ved’nuri.” Blazes! This woman seemed like any other but there was always that imposing nature which came from the Energy. Her eyes drifted to the floorboards and she forced them up.

  Ved’nuri pointed to Saldia’s plate. “Eat. Or Mavine may put us both to work in the laundry.”

  Saldia chuckled. “Yes, Ved’nuri.” The crowned woman smiled through a mouthful of food and Saldia relaxed. “I’ve been thinking on what you’ve taught me and what happened in the cave.” She truly wanted to please the Vedi, even more than she wished to appease Haranda. “I think I know how I managed to hide myself when I ran from—when I ran away.” She took a bite of ham steak. Ved’nuri waited so Saldia continued. “At first, I thought all I had to do was harness the Energy and tell myself not to be seen. That’s what happened at the beach during my calling and here at the falls. But I think when I was so afraid of being discovered by you and sent into my nightmare again, I actually wrapped myself in the Energy and, well, winked out. Much like covering myself with a cloak or blanket. I used to do that as a child whenever I wanted privacy in a crowded bedroom.” Her cousins had always ignored her then, which she enjoyed.

  Ved’nuri smiled but said nothing.

  Saldia took another bite and washed it down with tea. “This sounds effortless but I’m learning that nothing is so easy with the Energy. I’d like to practice today. I think it may work.” She had actually gotten the idea in her dreams, now that the horrific nightmares no longer haunted her. She didn’t really remember much about the caves behind the waterfall, except the terror. Intense, heart-pounding, immobilizing terror.

  Ved’nuri nodded and her gilded crown caught the sunlight. “Very good, youngling. I knew you were a smart one. It’s unfortunate there are no other shade walkers to teach you.”

  Saldia thought the Vedi were all-knowing until her days here. She had learned that they wielded more power than any normal Gypsy ever could but their abilities didn’t manifest all at once, and they assigned lessons to each other since there was no one to else instruct them. The Elders conferred here with ideas for their training too. Something else that had surprised Saldia. Neither Vedi would ever possess all aspects of the Energy. Only the Goddess could be trusted with that much power.

  Ved’nuri gave Saldia a thoughtful gaze and Goddess colors swirled in those clear eyes. “We can take a walk in the gardens and you can try after your tests. I expect you to do well with those too.”

  The last statement was nonnegotiable. The Vedi expected her to learn and retain everything very quickly. Since Ved’nuri was with child, Saldia suspected the Prophecies had accelerated but dared not ask. Ved’nuri would tell her anything she wanted her to know, anything Saldia hadn’t already learned in her studies of the Prophecies, which didn’t bother her, since that was how most tavern mistresses ran their places. Servants knew mainly what they were told and not much else, and tavern wenches were no exception.

  Haranda came daily to converse with Ved’nuri and to discuss Saldia’s progress. She missed her clan mother and sisters and hoped the thought of festivities tonight didn’t distract her in her studies today. She shifted her weight. “I’ll do my very best, Ved’nuri.”

  “Good. Now, let’s finish morning meal so we can get to the gardens. I could use a bit of sun.”

  They ate and Ved’nuri explained what Saldia’s chores would be that day. Pulling weeds, gathering fruits from the garden, and one she detested most, scrubbing privies. Servants would then escort her to the festivities.

  When they completed morning meal, they walked to the gardens. Ved’nuri dismissed the servants and the two sat alone on a bench. Many birds sang out from the trees and Saldia looked in the direction of the water. The hole stood out in the rock wall where Ved’nuri had taken her from the cave, and she could see the darkened area from where she sat. No doubt, the hole was left as another reminder of her transgression. A guard stood near the breach, staunch and immobile. The mountainous hill extended as far back as her eyes could make out
and she wondered what other mysteries lay there. She felt the crowned woman’s eyes and turned her attention back. At least the Vedi couldn’t hear her thoughts outside the dome.

  “That dream was very disturbing, youngling. I regret you had to witness such an atrocity, especially to one of our own.” Saldia swallowed and nodded. “You’re strong, though. And you’ll continue to gain strength until your youngling stage ends. You must learn to focus that power. You must promise me something.”

  “Of course, Ved’nuri.” What did the woman want from her? Her heart banged against her chest and she fought the urge to count the beats.

  “If anything ever happens to you again, anything that disturbs you, that wakes you from sleep and interferes with your duties, I want you to go directly to another Gypsy for help.” Saldia sighed with relief and opened her mouth to respond, when Ved’nuri held up a hand and studied her insides with that colorful gaze. “Before you answer, Gypsy-child Saldia, you must know that by making a promise to me, you make a pledge to the Goddess Herself.” She narrowed dangerous eyes. “Do you understand?”

  “I wouldn’t lie to you, Ved’nuri.” She wouldn’t dare.

  “That’s good to know.” The crowned woman cocked her head.

  Saldia realized she waited for an answer. “I’ll seek help if I’m disturbed by something the way you described, Ved’nuri. I make that promise to you, to the Goddess.” The earth vibrated for a heartbeat. She studied Ved’nuri but the woman’s face was unreadable. Something had just happened, something important. She was now certain the same vibration had accompanied her promise that day in her dome room when she had her face near the floor at Ved’nuri’s feet, and she started to inquire about it.

  “Now, questions will come from me.”

  Well, that took care of that. The woman didn’t know her thoughts outside the dome but, obviously, Ved’nuri wasn’t going to answer anything. At least, not yet.

  Saldia made her way through the tests, stumbling only once on a reply, and the crowned woman looked pleased as she answered questions and performed Energy tasks. Saldia’s sparking Energy had improved after only four days too, thanks to the Vedi’s tutoring. And though she could only float a single orb, it remained steady now. Afterward, she wasn’t tired in the slightest. A servant asked permission to continue gardening and the crowned woman agreed. Saldia watched as five servants curtsied and bowed then got to work.

  “You had something you wish to attempt, youngling.” Ved’nuri studied her. “You have permission.”

  “Thank you, Ved’nuri.”

  Saldia stood and drew the silky Energy from the earth, reveling in the awareness that filled her. She pushed the shadow Energy around her body and encircled every measurement of her skin. Ved’nuri alone would sense her. Once Saldia was certain every part of her was contained, for she could only feel her skin being covered through the Energy and not see herself disappear, she moved, counting her strides as she ran to a nearby tree and back to the bench where the crowned woman still sat.

  The servants chuckled and Ved’nuri suddenly broke into laughter. Saldia lost her concentration, and with it, the Energy. She stood with mouth gaping, flustered at not knowing what prompted the hilarity.

  “That was quite good, youngling.”

  “Thank you, Ved’nuri,” she said a bit confused.

  “Except for one thing.” What did she forget? And in front of this formidable woman? “You remained in the shade when you ran. But about your clothes, youngling. I’m afraid you’ll attract more attention as a vacant dress moving about on its own.” She chuckled again.

  What? Saldia looked down at the hideous swirls on her skirts then snickered at herself. “So, I looked like a dress floating around the garden?”

  “I’m afraid so. Now, try again.” Ved’nuri’s features screwed in thought. “This time wrap the Energy so your clothes and scarf are hidden as well. Remember if you’re among middlings, you’ll probably have a purse and shoes, and depending on the weather, a cloak and gloves. You may be riding a horse or a cart with others. Perhaps you’ll carry a pack. Or you might even wear a ring.” She pushed her right foot from beneath her gown to show the gold toe ring.

  This was going to be more difficult than Saldia first thought. Perhaps shedding her clothes like she had at the beach was a bright idea after all. She smiled at that memory and at Thad’s attempt to ensure her virtue by keeping his eyes turned away, no matter how silly he had looked.

  “What is it, youngling?” Ved’nuri’s golden curls fell over one shoulder.

  “Just a memory.”

  “Share, please.”

  Why did she always get herself into these predicaments? The crowned woman often wanted her to voice her thoughts outside the dome, and most tended to be embarrassing. Like the day Ved’nuri caught her studying one of the servants. He had a muscular, tanned body that attracted her. The crowned woman insisted on knowing Saldia’s exact thoughts of the man.

  “Yes, Ved’nuri.” She fought a sigh and leaned close so the servants wouldn’t hear. “This was easier at the beach because, well, I was naked.” Her face heated. Blasted! This woman was the one of several Gypsies who could make Saldia blush. Ved’nuri seemed amused and offered a smile. “I was alone,” she added in her own defense. She was a grown woman, of course, but didn’t want Ved’nuri to think she was free with her virtue, despite her tavern background. “Until Haranda found me.”

  “Relax, youngling. Haranda told me the story.”

  Saldia relaxed. Of course Haranda had told her. Mothers and fathers made frequent visits to the Vedi. The Goddess only knew what tales they spouted.

  “Shall we see how quickly you learn to walk in the shade?”

  It took all of her concentration to wrap herself and her clothes in the Energy. She would have to remember each piece of clothing and jewelry that she wore and anything else she carried or came in contact with, including her kin and their burdens. Her memory had better be excellent! She would give up her midday meal to have Taniras’s affinity for remembering. Her Energy would have to be strong to encompass a horse or cart but Ved’nuri hadn’t faltered at that, so Saldia was confident that she could harness enough power.

  The hardest part was trying to feel her clothes through the Energy since they didn’t give off heat like living things, and her first several attempts left some object showing, her belt, her underbreeches, even a stray leaf that had attached itself to her hair. Ved’nuri seemed amused, even though Saldia held onto frustration. This would take more practice. Much more.

  Her confidence waned as the day’s training continued and the sun moved higher in the sky. When she finally released the Energy, she was tired. Surprisingly, not as exhausted as she’d been just days before when she ran from her kin, and may the Goddess forgive her, from Ved’nuri.

  The crowned woman stood without expression and stepped to her after her numerous attempts at shade walking. “That was quite successful, youngling. You managed to stay in the shade when you ran and keep yourself completely unseen. Now you must learn to do that without tiring. Don’t use more Energy than you need for a certain task. Younglings often make that mistake. I wish for you to try something.”

  She called her servants to her and whispered to them. Then she instructed Saldia to slip around the servants, retrieve an apple from a nearby tree and bring it back.

  Saldia would have to shade the apple once she took it. She filled herself with the Energy and wrapped herself completely, until she was certain she was a shadow, clothes and all. Ved’nuri confirmed her success with a nod. Then she walked lightly past two servants to keep her footprints in the grass at a minimum. They didn’t seem to notice. She counted her steps, something she realized might come in handy for such a task, but her mistake came when she thought being a shadow also meant that someone couldn’t feel her.

  The servant stumbled after bumping her and looked at Ved’nuri. The servants watched and a few chuckled. Colorful eyes moved to Saldia, who had fallen to the gro
und and released the Energy. The soreness from her previous punishment didn’t help her temperament.

  “That was not successful,” Ved’nuri said. “Again, youngling.”

  Saldia stood and fought a frown as she crossed back to Ved’nuri and took in the Energy. This time, she was careful to keep out of the servants’ way as she went to the tree. She waited until all were occupied with tasks before plucking an apple. The rustle of leaves got some eyes but she stopped the movement with a fast hand, and the servants ignored her. She shaded the apple and made her way back toward Ved’nuri. A servant ran directly in her path. She squeaked and jumped back to avoid getting trampled. Why had she not used her awareness to keep watch of the servants? Once she reached Ved’nuri, she released the Energy and held up the apple, pleased with her success.

  “You made noise, youngling. That’ll get you noticed.”

  “Yes, Ved’nuri.” Blazes! Did anything please this woman? This was only her second try at retrieval. She sounded dejected, even to her own ears.

  “You would pout in my presence?”

  “No, Ved’nuri.” She quickly dropped a curtsy. “My apologies.”

  “Accepted. Now, had you been shade walking in a city like Makrilon and performed as you just did, what would happen?”

  Blazes! Someone would cry out for certain. She wouldn’t be able to hold the Energy forever. They might find her eventually. “Those middlings would kill me if they caught me.”

  “And what of those with you? Would they be blamed too?”

  “Yes, Ved’nuri. Anyone thought to be a Gypsy or friend of a Gypsy would have a mob after her.”

  “Then you must make certain you’re not discovered.”

  Saldia studied the tall woman and awareness, not from the Energy, filled her. Ved’nuri was training her to do just that, to slip into some city or village, unnoticed, and steal something. The Prophecies! This all had something to do with the Prophecies, she was certain of that.