Arna turned to the man. "Do you agree with this?"
"Yes, that's how it happened."
Deril's breathing had relaxed, but he held his shield strong.
"Then it's settled," Davin said. "Things didn't go as planned, but it worked in the end."
"Perhaps," Arna said. She turned to Deril and Tiran, her gaze harder than ever. "But I'll be keeping an eye on you two."
And we will do the same for you, Deril thought.
Chapter 24: The Palace
Rella followed Atarin through the palace, accompanied by a pair of Fire Guards. At first, she thought they were there because of her, but perhaps Atarin always walked with bodyguards.
"What do you think of my palace?" he asked, his tone light and friendly.
She looked around. The palace wasn't quite as grand as she'd expected. It was made of stone like most buildings. The floors, however, were wood. There must have been a large tree farm nearby. Rich red carpets and many Sunlamps gave everything a warm feeling. The corridors were wide enough that seven or eight people could walk side-by-side, and the palace's layout made Rella think of a maze.
"It is quite nice," she said, unsure how to respond.
"No need to be so nervous," Atarin said. "I won't harm you."
"I'm sorry. I've had issues with trust my whole life. It has nothing to do with you."
"Ah, I understand," Atarin said. "I can't imagine how paranoid you'd have to be growing up among our oppressors in Tarileth. You were brave to endure it so long."
"Yes, I suppose I was."
Atarin eyed her with a strange look. "I can sense that something is bothering you. You're my family, Rella. You can trust me."
But I don't, she thought, seeing through his genial manner. She couldn't bring herself to support someone who advocated killing so many innocent people. A part of her wanted to trust him, wanted to find a new family she could belong with, but she couldn't let that part override her reason.
Atarin was the enemy.
"Did my mother trust you?" Rella asked, worried she was treading into dangerous territory.
Atarin hesitated. "Your mother and I didn't see things the same way. She would have been a credit to Halarik's Chosen, but she chose to forsake her duties as a Firelord and join with the Brotherhood. I lived many years praying she would change her mind."
They got to the end of a corridor, where the space around them widened into a vast dining chamber. Savory smells wafted in the air, and Rella's stomach rumbled. She hadn't had decent food in weeks.
"I heard that you wanted to kill her," she said as Atarin led her to a small wooden table. Many voices filled the chamber. The people seemed happy and well-cared for.
Atarin took a seat across from her. "She made herself an enemy to Fireweavers. She went with a group that holds sympathy for our oppressors. These are the people who would have killed you if they'd found out about your powers. Surely you don't support them."
"Of course not," she said, hoping she sounded sincere. She couldn't read Atarin's face.
"But if you must know, I gave her a choice. She failed in her duties as a Firelord. I was well within my rights to order her execution, but I gave her the choice to leave the Frozen Lands. No matter what you might have heard, I am not an unreasonable man."
Rella wished she could believe that. "I don't understand. Is it wrong for a Firelord not to support Halarik's Chosen?" Her chest tightened. "Not that I'm thinking about running away."
Atarin's eyes narrowed a little. "I would hope not. And I can see that you don't yet know much about our world. Becoming a Firelord means that Halarik has chosen you. That's the primary reason we call ourselves Halarik's Chosen. We are the Firelords, and the people who support the Firelords. We are the people with the power to change the world."
Rella wanted to debate him on his philosophy, but that would make him suspicious. Instead, she said, "What is expected of me here?"
Atarin clasped his hands in front of him. "Well, since you are a potential Firelord, you will begin training to see if you have the talent. Even if you don't, I won't turn away family." He narrowed his eyes again. "As long as you don't turn traitor like your mother."
She shuddered at the ice in his tone. "I would not do that."
"Good." Atarin smiled and glanced at a person approaching from Rella's right. He gestured for the man to sit. "Rella, this is Karik, one of our new Firelords. Like you, he is currently training his abilities."
Rella clasped Karik's hands in greeting, unsure what to think of him. His name struck her as familiar. "Do I know you from somewhere?"
He had long dark hair and the complexion of someone who spent a lot of time under Sunlamps. "Perhaps. I do come from Tarileth after all."
"Perhaps you know of Karik's father," Atarin said. "Sunlord Zaren."
Rella's mouth fell open. "The Sunlord's son is a Fireweaver. That makes no sense."
"Actually, it makes perfect sense," Karik said with a relaxed smile, leaning on the table. His posture exuded power and confidence. "My mother is a Fireweaver in secret. My brother didn't inherit our abilities, though. He's an ordinary Sunweaver."
Conversation continued around the vast dining chamber. There had to be at least fifty people there, and none were paying attention to Atarin. No bowing. No catering to his every desire. It appeared that he didn't demand constant adoration.
Rella turned to Atarin. "It seems rather odd that everyone's ignoring you. Aren't you their leader?"
"They're used to my presence," Atarin said. "I like to keep in touch with my people. After all, wouldn't life be rather lonely if you spent all your time alone with only servants for company? Possessing great power is no reason to set yourself apart from others."
Rella didn't know what to think of that. In truth, Atarin was nothing like what she'd expected. He was supposed to be a monster—not so friendly, not someone who was willing to sit down with her and explain everything so patiently.
Perhaps he wasn't the man Kae and the Brotherhood claimed he was.
Rella felt suddenly daring. "I have a few more questions for you."
"Go ahead and ask," Atarin said. "You're family. You deserve answers."
"Do you intend to kill all Sunweavers?"
Atarin scratched at his chin. He wore a short, neatly-groomed beard. "I wish to create a world where Fireweavers are no longer persecuted. That may or may not require the deaths of Sunweavers. Ultimately, that choice is up to them."
"Then you don't want revenge?" Rella said.
Atarin chuckled. "I'd be lying if I said I didn't. But I don't hold a grudge against all Sunweavers. However, those in power deserve our wrath. Especially their Church. Rella, these are the people who would kill you. Don't you want revenge of your own?"
On some level, she did, but that didn't justify widespread killing. She couldn't discern Atarin's true intentions on the matter, either. He struck her as deceptive.
Or was she seeing what she wanted to see?
She shook her head. "I hope we can find some way to convince them of the error in their beliefs. I believe in providing a better world for Fireweavers, but not through bloodshed."
"It may be necessary," Karik said. "Regrettable, but necessary."
It probably was, she realized. Could any arguments, however well-reasoned, convince people to rethink centuries of belief? Though she hated it, a part of her agreed with Atarin.
Servants arrived with plates of food. Rella didn't recognize the meat, but it tasted delicious. She had to force herself not to shovel it into her mouth. At least it gave her an opportunity to be alone with her thoughts, to consider how best to speak to Atarin.
"Our Sunlamps do wonders for us," Atarin said, gesturing to the food with a wide smile. "We eat as well as anyone in Tarileth."
Rella looked up from her food. "What about everyone else in the Frozen Lands?"
"We have poverty like anywhere else," Atarin said. "But most of the people are comfortable. After all, everyone who lives here is a
Firecaster, Fireweaver, or Firelord. The Lightless have no reason to come to the Frozen Lands."
Rella wanted to find fault with everything about the Frozen Lands, and about Atarin in particular, but she found herself liking him instead. She had to remind herself that he was dangerous. But was he as dangerous as she'd thought at first?
"You're not what I expected," she said.
Atarin chuckled, and it sounded genuine. "Yes, the stories do make me out to be some kind of monster."
"I'm still not sure I agree with everything you say, though."
"I don't expect total agreement," Atarin said. "Just make sure you don't act on any disagreements, especially on the most important matters."
"And what are these most important matters?" she asked, realizing that he was dangerous, regardless of her previous impressions. Perhaps he was gentle and good-natured only when you agreed with him.
Atarin smiled, but it didn't touch his eyes. "There are some secrets I must keep to myself."
"He's right," Karik said. "War is brewing. Dangerous times lie ahead."
Chapter 25: Faina's Secrets
Kadin spent the next day working in the fields and pretending nothing was happening. A light rain fell, and he used Red to generate heat around himself. Marell kept his distance, so Kadin wasn't worried about getting in trouble.
He did have to separate himself from the other slaves, though. They would wonder why the air was warmer around him, and he couldn't risk anyone finding out why.
The work went in a steady rhythm. Now that Kadin could control his Sunweaving, he didn't worry about extinguishing Sunlamps. The last few days had made his life both simpler and more complicated. He looked forward to and dreaded the future. Yes, he could free Faina, but where would they go? How would they survive?
At the end of the day, Kadin stood and was ready to head back to the cabin for dinner, but then Marell came over to him, frowning with concern.
"Is something wrong?" Kadin asked, glancing around, worried someone might be watching them. A worry he'd felt too often these last few days.
"Lord Andric wishes to speak to the two of us."
Kadin's insides twisted with cold dread. "Do you think he knows?"
"It's possible, and that's why we need to come up with a convincing story." Marell paced along the edge of the crop row. "Do you have any ideas?"
Kadin considered. "Maybe you were punishing me."
"No, I wouldn't need to take you aside to do that. Andric would see right through that story."
"We could always tell part of the truth," Kadin said.
"What do you mean?"
"You noticed the Sunlamps going out around me, so you took me aside to see if I was causing it. We tried for a few days to do it on purpose, but nothing happened."
"That might actually work," Marell said. "Perhaps you're smarter than I thought."
From Marell, that felt like high praise. Kadin couldn't help but smile. "Do you really think it'll work?"
"It seems more logical than any other story. It's based on the truth after all. Lord Andric knows of the issue with the Sunlamps, and since you have control now, it shouldn't keep happening. Our story should appear true."
"Can Andric detect heat fields?" Kadin asked, feeling a sudden spike of fear.
"Yes, but I don't think he can detect them like you. Just be careful not to use any weaves or castings while we're around him. He might check."
They started toward Andric's manor. The building stood in the center of the plantation, surrounded by beautiful gardens featuring flowers of every color. There were no cracks in the two-story building's stone exterior.
Kadin's heart climbed into this throat as they approached. He remembered Marell's warning that first day. It was best not to attract Andric's attention.
"It'll be all right," Marell said, putting a hand on his shoulder. "Your story's a good one."
Kadin wished he could believe that. He felt like throwing up as they reached the clean stone porch beneath the wooden awning. Marell knocked on the wood door. It opened a few moments later, and Faina stood in the doorway.
"Lord Andric is waiting in the kitchen," she said. "I will lead you here."
"Thank you," Marell said, following her and motioning Kadin into the house. Kadin felt as though something heavy were tied to his trembling legs. He tried to figure out how Faina was doing, but she had adopted a mask he couldn't see through.
Faina led them to the left, across a polished stone floor and past walls of rich reddish wood—a sure sign of Andric's wealth. Soon they entered the kitchen, where Andric was sitting at a wooden table. Kadin remembered him from the ride to the plantation.
Andric had light hair and a deceptively gentle expression. Kadin would have been fooled had he not known the man's true nature.
"Ah, there you are," Andric said, motioning for them to sit. Kadin lowered himself into his seat and looked to Marell for reassurance. Marell gave a quick shake of his head, avoiding Kadin's gaze. Of course. They weren't supposed to look too close.
"May I inquire as to the reason for this meeting, my lord?" Marell said.
"Just a moment," Andric said. He turned his gaze to Faina. "Sit down."
She obeyed at once, but Kadin could see her unease in the tight lines on her face. Could Andric see it as well? Did he care?
"Let's discuss this over dinner," Andric said. He smiled at Kadin, but there was nothing genuine in that smile. "I'm sure you'll be happy to get some higher-quality food for once."
"Of course, master," Kadin said. Marell had told him he should always address Andric as master.
A few other slaves arrived shortly, bearing platters of food that filled the air with a succulent aroma. The food looked like the finest cuts of beef, the kind his father had never been able to afford. The platters also contained fresh potatoes and other vegetables, ones that looked healthy. Unlike Kadin's food back home, or that the slaves were fed.
Was this how Sunweavers lived? Maybe Kadin could get used to that.
The slaves placed the food on the table. Kadin stared at it, not sure what kind of manners he should display. He realized how little he knew about Sunweavers. The knife and fork felt awkward and heavy in his hands.
Maybe he'd watch everyone else first. Andric started eating, attacking his food with great gusto. Well, that wasn't what Kadin had expected. He glanced at Marell and Faina, both of whom ate with more restraint. He'd try to copy them.
After a long time, Andric took a break from his food. "All right," he said, his eyes settling on Kadin and Marell. "We're here to discuss why you two have been spending so much time together. I don't approve of overseers and slaves spending time together."
"It's my fault," Marell said. "You remember those Sunlamps that have gone out recently? Well, they were doing it around Kadin, so I wondered if he might be a Sunweaver. Sunweavers have been known to have relations with the Lightless after all."
Andric narrowed his eyes, revealing his dangerous side. "And what did you find out?"
"I spent a few days with him, trying to get him to repeat the ability. Nothing I did got it to work, so I figured it must have been a coincidence. Kadin is no Sunweaver."
Kadin avoided looking at Andric, afraid the truth might be written on his face, and looked instead at Faina, who watched with a deep frown.
"And you're certain of this?" Andric said, his eyes narrowed to dangerous slits. "I have to admit the Sunlamp thing has mystified me. Perhaps you simply haven't managed to get him to do anything." He turned his stern gaze to Kadin. "Boy, is he telling the truth?"
"Of course, master" Kadin responded at once. Was his response too quick?
"And you're sure about that?" Andric said before taking another bite of food.
Kadin ignored his own food. "I think I'd know if I was a Sunweaver, master. If I was, I wouldn't be hiding it. I'd be getting out of here."
Had Kadin said too much? He couldn't determine Andric's reaction for a few long moments.
"Yes, I suppose that's true," Andric said, his tone and expression softening. "No slave would want to keep working if they found out they were a Sunweaver."
Kadin felt tense. Whether or not Andric was angry with him, he had attracted the man's attention. Andric would keep a close watch on him. How would he find the opportunity to train his abilities and rescue Faina?
Andric rose. "I think I've heard enough. You may finish your meal and return to your cabin. Don't expect to see such delicacies in the future."
"Of course not, master," Kadin said, his heart pounding a fierce rhythm. He glanced at Marell and Faina as Andric walked out of the kitchen.
"That went as well as we could expect," Marell said. "You did well, Kadin."
Kadin forced a smile, then finished his meal in silence, savoring every bit. Yes, he would likely see good meals in the future, but he'd never had food like this before. Once they all finished, Marell led him out of the house. To his surprise, Faina followed.
"I have to return to my cabin as well," she told him.
"Oh, of course," Kadin said. "I forgot you didn't actually live with Andric."
They walked along the path leading away from the house, back toward the rows and rows of crops that stretched as far as Kadin could see.
"I'm afraid he might want me to move in with him," she said as they parted ways with Marell.
"Has Andric been taking advantage of you?" Kadin asked. He couldn't bring himself to say the word rape. "Has he been hurting you?"
"It's not as bad as you might think. As long as I don't fight him, he's gentle, even loving in his own twisted way. It isn't as bad a life as I thought at first. I don't have to do much work. I get to enjoy good food. I just have to make some sacrifices."
"It's still wrong," he said. "You can't accept what he's doing."
"I don't have any choice. I have no power here."
A thought struck Kadin. He'd always suspected there was something different about Faina, that she was hiding something. Did she have powers as well? He wove Orange and Yellow and looked at her. Around her was an incredible glow.
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