Oathtaker

by Patricia Reding

  “But why wouldn’t she come to you then?”

  Basha chewed on her lower lip. “I’d like to think it was because she couldn’t, and not because she wouldn’t.”

  “Maybe the Council would have some answers, or maybe scholars at the sanctuary library could help shed some light on this.”

  “Maybe.”

  He sat quietly for a minute, then turned his attention back to his own concerns. “What do you make of Lilith’s behavior?”

  Basha grew thoughtful. “Lilith is . . . She is . . . broken.”

  “Broken?”

  “Yes. Rowena had finally managed to bring the family together, only to have everything disrupted when Therese died. Well, when we think she died. Lilith became lost. She resorted to her old selfish ways. Only now her behavior is many times worse.”

  “She’s beginning to frighten me.”

  “Me too. That’s another reason I want to accompany you. There have been rumors around the palace. I’ve stayed here on and off—mostly on—since shortly after you and Rowena left. It feels like there’s a cloak of secrecy over the place. Meanwhile, Lilith has become more and more out of control.”

  “What kind of rumors?”

  Basha sighed. “Dixon, some say she was behind Therese, Dianna, and Eve’s, deaths. Some even say she may have meant Rowena harm.”

  “And Sally and Janine? They and Lilith are the only ones remaining of Rowena’s sisters. Why would Lilith be behind the deaths of the first, second, and third, while leaving the fourth and fifth unharmed?”

  “I don’t know. Sally and Janine both stay here at the palace at all times. Lilith gives them free reign to do as they please. Sally uses her leadership as a fifth to . . . Oh, I don’t know how to describe it. Let’s just say that she encourages unusual things within her jurisdiction.”

  “Such as?”

  Basha tapped her finger to her chin. “Oh, I know! Recently she encouraged new laws that forbid people from cutting wood from the public forests to burn for heating their homes.”

  “That doesn’t make sense.”

  “She says ‘the trees have feelings too.’ She says if people want to burn wood for heat, they’ll just have to get it elsewhere. And that’s true even though the authorities only ever allowed the people to take out the deadwood, or to cut from certain areas so that if a forest fire broke out, it wouldn’t burn out of control for miles on end. It’s all so contrary to Ehyeh’s ways.”

  “What does Lilith say?”

  “She just laughs and says that’s the price others pay for being ‘commoners.’”

  “Commoners! And Janine?”

  “Oh, she does the most ridiculous things! People can’t use medicines they prefer because she thinks they’re bad for them. People can’t teach their own children their skills, because she thinks children should be free to decide those things when they become adults. Do you know she’s trying to restrict the kinds of weapons people keep for self-defense because she thinks they could be used to harm others?”

  “It sounds like she just wants to control how others live.”

  “Yes, that’s right. There’s little rhyme or reason to most of what she does. The requirements are just extra burdens for the people, or could leave them vulnerable to harm.”

  “And I suppose Lilith reacts the same way with Janine?”

  “To Lilith, the two of them can do no wrong.”

  Dixon pondered. “But why would she have intended harm to Dianna, or Eve? Or to Therese?”

  Basha tilted her head right to left, then back again. “I know it sounds ridiculous, but it’s the only explanation that makes any sense, the only one supported by all of the evidence.”

  “And that is?”

  “They’re trying to keep the people from being strong in their homes, families and convictions. When outside frustrations constantly harass the people, they’re easier to control.” She shrugged. “That’s just a theory.”

  For a minute, Dixon considered telling Basha that he thought Lilith was responsible for Rowena’s death as well, but he decided against it—at least for now. He didn’t want to put any extra pressure on her should anyone discover he’d spoken with her.

  They talked late into the night, contemplating the changes at the palace and in Oosa in general. When the first rays of morning light graced the sky, Dixon parted his friend’s company and returned to the palace.

  CHAPTER ELEVEN

  Mara and Nina rode hard for two days. Each night they took refuge in a barn for a few hours. One kept watch while the other slept. Mara allowed Nina as much rest as possible so as to keep up her strength for attending the girls’ needs. Now, dusty from their travels and exhausted, they arrived in a sizable city.

  It was just after midday and the thoroughfare bustled. Buggies hurried past them, carrying both the mundane and the fashionable around the market square. Busy hawkers’ voices carried through the warm air of the overcast day, as did those peddling the daily news from various street corners.

  Reasoning that the most difficult things to find are often those hiding in plain sight, Mara chose an upscale inn in the busiest part of town. The building boasted a welcome sign informing visitors that they’d arrived at The King’s Court.

  An attendant provided her a stepping block. She dismounted, then waited as he assisted Nina down from Spot.

  The steps to the front door creaked beneath their feet. The Oathtaker gazed back the way from whence they’d come. What was keeping Dixon? His delay concerned her. Grasping Nina’s elbow, she guided her around a cluster of guests visiting near the entrance.

  The doorman stood at attention. He wore khaki pants, a dark navy double-breasted jacket, and a white shirt and gloves. He gestured toward the reception desk.

  The establishment had a homey appeal. The lobby was papered in robin’s egg blue silk. Heavy damask white and yellow curtains hung at the windows that looked out over gardens offering discerning guests a variety of nooks and crannies for their leisure.

  People walked briskly by. Waitresses carried trays of cool drinks from bar to table. Hotel staff rushed about, anxious to do the bidding of the guests and to avoid a scolding from the chief lobby attendant who kept an eye, like that of a vulture, on the goings on of his staff.

  “Two guests?” asked the clerk.

  “Well actually, my husband may already have checked us in.” Mara hadn’t given much advance thought to needing a story for traveling alone or for her current state of dress, but she could see by the clerk’s expression that she’d need to answer some unasked questions.

  “Ah . . . Frank. Frank . . . Portman. That’s my husband. He would have checked us in as ‘Frank and Mara Portman’ along with our guest, Nina . . . Spink,” she added, making up a surname for Nina on the spot. “Is he here yet?”

  The clerk reviewed his list of guests, then shook his head.

  She turned to Nina. “Didn’t I tell you?” She clapped her hands like a spoiled girl and giggled, then looked back at the clerk. His expression was unchanged.

  “You see, my husband has been very busy. We planned a trip to the city, but he canceled. So we reset the date and—wouldn’t you know? He bowed out yet again. I told him I was going anyway, and I bet him that I could make it here on my own. I said I’d see how long it took him to catch up. And I did! I got here first. Isn’t that funny?”

  The clerk nodded, his brow raised.

  The Oathtaker leaned in as though sharing a secret. “Men. They’re too busy and have too many excuses until a woman just forces their hand.”

  He smiled as though he’d heard the same story before.

  “I suppose, since Frank’s not here, I’ll just check in with my friend for the evening. We’ll see how long it takes him to get here. Unless of course he sends a message to inform me of yet another delay.”

  The clerk handed over a key. “Please sign here.” He waited as Mara did. “Room one-fourteen. Go down the hallway there to your right. It’s the last door on the left. Have
you stayed with us before?”

  “No, but I’ve been told that this is the place to visit in the city.” She smiled graciously, then turned away.

  He commented that such a lovely young woman shouldn’t be kept waiting, nor should her man allow her to travel alone. Surprised, she turned back, only to find the clerk absorbed in his books. After a moment, she realized she’d heard his thoughts. Pleased her story had convinced him, she guided Nina down the hall.

  Upon entering their room, the Oathtaker dropped her sack near the door and untied Reigna from her front side. Moments later, a maid knocked at the door. She inquired whether they were in need of anything. Mara asked for drinks, which the maid assured her she would deliver shortly.

  Nina sat quietly, taking her boots off. “This is luxurious.”

  “Mmhmmm.”

  “How long do you expect to stay?”

  “Maybe just the night. I’m surprised Dixon hasn’t met up with us yet. I don’t want to get too far ahead of him and I’m not altogether sure where to go from here.”

  “What do you suppose happened?”

  “I’ve no idea.”

  Another rapping came at the door. Mara answered it.

  “For our two newest guests,” the chambermaid said, “a treat on the house. Freshly squeezed lemonade on ice, sweetened with pure maple syrup, and sprinkled with just a touch of cayenne. I think you’ll find it very refreshing.”

  “Thank you.”

  The maid put the tray down. “Is there anything more I can do for you? Schedule a table for you for dinner, perhaps?”

  “Yes. Let’s say . . . in an hour?”

  “I’ll inform the kitchen staff. I’m confident you’ll be delighted with the meal this evening.”

  As she was leaving, Mara called out, “Excuse me?”

  “Yes?”

  “Do you have a local flier?”

  “Certainly. Actually, there are three fliers here in Settleton. The Vixen, The Messenbeck and The Seamen. They each have morning and evening editions. Also, the criers are stationed in the town square most of the day.”

  The maid leaned in conspiratorially. “I noticed today’s headlines about the big news out of Shimeron. Seems an Oathtaker was derelict in his duties. He may have committed treason! There’s to be a hearing in the City of Light.” She turned to go. “Would you like this morning’s fliers or the evening editions later?”

  “We’ll get copies later, thank you.” Mara frowned and bit her lower lip.

  The maid left, closing the door softly behind.

  “Is there a problem?” Nina asked.

  “No, it’s just that it’s always troubling when an Oathtaker is accused of wrongdoing.”

  After cleaning up, they made their way to the dining room. Mara requested a table near the exit that would allow her to sit with her back to the wall. She surveyed the room looking for any sign of trouble.

  At the table to their right sat what appeared to be a family of five, the three children all in their teens. Just ahead sat a couple, likely newlyweds. At the table to their left was a woman in a simple gown of royal purple, with canary yellow cuffs and neckline. She glanced repeatedly at Mara. There was something very familiar about her, but the Oathtaker couldn’t place just what. A young man sat to each side of the woman. Both dressed in blue, they could well have been her grown sons.

  The waiter arrived with the house dinner: freshwater trout in a hazelnut crust, wild rice pilaf, and fresh green beans with bacon bits. Mara and Nina both inhaled deeply, then laughed softly.

  “A little hungry are we?” Nina asked.

  Mara nodded. Turning to the waiter, she placed her hand on his forearm. “Thank you. Now I wondered if I might trouble you?”

  “Anything, Madam! What may I do for you?”

  “Have you copies of the local evening fliers?”

  “But of course. I will procure them for you.” Leaning in, he commented, “It is a most curious story about Mr. Townsend, is it not?”

  The color drained from her face. Her grip tightened. “Did you say Mr.—Townsend?”

  “Yes, that’s right, Dixon Townsend. From all I hear the City of Light is about to witness a real circus with a hearing for him. Just imagine, one of the Townsends!”

  She patted his arm. “Yes, I’m sure. Ahhh . . . thank you. A copy of each of the fliers would be most helpful. Please put the expense on my tab.”

  “Certainly. Room one-fourteen.”

  She felt someone’s eyes upon her. She turned to the table to her left where sat the woman who looked familiar. Mara avoided making eye contact. “Let’s enjoy, but not linger,” she whispered to Nina.

  When they returned to their chambers, the Oathtaker sat with her feet up on the bed, perusing The Vixen, the first of the three fliers the waiter had given her. Quietly, she read aloud:

  The Official Council has been informed of possible wrongdoing by Dixon Townsend, Oathtaker to the former ranking member of the first family of the Select, Rowena Vala, a seventh.

  Rowena’s sister, Lilith, a sixth, brought the information to the Council after Townsend, who had acted as Oathtaker to Rowena for nearly a decade, informed Lilith of Rowena’s death. Rowena had been pregnant at the time with her seventh child. In light of her premature and unexpected demise, Lilith informed the Council that she now acts as the current ranking member of the first family and of the Select.

  While no charges have as yet been filed against Townsend, Lilith, in her new official capacity, has demanded a hearing into the matter.

  Word is that Townsend, of the Brecken Townsends, insists he engaged in no wrongdoing and looks forward to answering all of the Council’s questions.

  Townsend is the son of Brent and Francesca Townsend, well known for their history of service to Oosa.

  Townsend’s late father, Brent Townsend, served many years as an Oathtaker. When no longer under oath, he returned to his hometown in the hinterlands where he married. He served as an advisor to the Council and is perhaps best known for his efforts in bringing the traitor, Madden Chantray, to justice. It was his role as prosecutor for the Council in the course of those hearings that made the Townsend name famous.

  Francesca Townsend is well known and immensely popular among the people of Oosa for her programs to support Oosa’s working people by keeping taxes low and restrictions on their personal freedoms minimal.

  The Council issued a public statement, insisting that a fair hearing will be held. ‘The Townsends have a long and honorable history in Oosa. Rest assured, Dixon Townsend will receive a full and fair hearing.’

  The Oathtakers’ Guild published a statement providing that, based on Townsend’s history, it supports him unless or until the evidence should prove otherwise.

  Others are not so supportive. Those related to The Citizens for Nonintervention, long opposed to the Select and the Oathtakers at any level, insist Townsend should be found guilty of treason not because of Rowena’s death or due to any part he may have played in the events leading to it, but simply by virtue of his role as an Oathtaker and his relationship with the Select over the years.

  Lilith and her entourage will escort Townsend to the City of Light where even now, plans are being set in place for the hearing. Security is likely to be at its highest.

  “The Citizens for Nonintervention. I’ve heard of them, but I had no idea they were opposed to the Select and Oathtakers ‘at every level.’” Mara frowned. “Interesting.” She put the flier down and took up The Messenbeck. “Let’s see,” she said, looking it over. “All right, here it is.” She read to Nina:

  Dixon Townsend, former Oathtaker to Rowena Vala, the now-deceased ranking member of the Select, is in hot water yet again! Townsend, brought up on charges of wrongdoing, has been required to testify before the Council in the past.

  Years ago, Townsend acted as Oathtaker to Judith Jenkins, a fourth of the Select, but not a member of the first family. Following her death, in what Townsend claimed was a riding accident, questions wer
e raised about his behavior. Many believed his special relationship to members of the Council kept him from paying the ultimate price for treason to the Select at that time.

  It comes as no surprise that the Guild supports Townsend. Even so, the Council plans to conduct a hearing into the matter in the City of Light.

  This reporter notes that historically, the Select and their Oathtakers have repeatedly overreached at every turn.

  Some years ago, after centuries of consistent and methodical intrusion into the affairs of the people of Oosa, the Select agreed to govern Oosa in part with the use of a Council that would represent various interests and factions. Notwithstanding, by maintaining control over those who would sit on the Council and by insisting on keeping the identity of the members confidential, the Select have managed to continually and systematically impress their ways upon the people of Oosa.

  The Oathtaker looked up. “This is ridiculous. Oosa has gone nowhere but downhill since the Select gave the people what they purportedly wanted. I can’t believe this!” She shook her head. “And what’s this about ‘consistent and methodical intrusion?’ Who believes this stuff? All of Oosa was founded on the ways and teachings of the Select.”

  “What does the last one say?” Nina asked.

  “Oh, let me see.” Mara scanned The Seaman. “More of the same, really. Its a little less helpful than the account in The Vixen, but . . . Well, I guess if you read between the lines, it sounds more like The Messenbeck. Dear Good One, I had no idea people read such things. This is ghastly. Don’t they know their history?” She threw the fliers down.

  “Now what?”

  Mara shrugged. “I don’t know. I wonder if we ought to go to the City of Light. I could speak to the Council on Dixon’s behalf.”

  Busily nursing Reigna, Nina raised her brow. “What if it’s a trap to get the girls there?”

  “Actually, the thought had occurred to me.”

  The Oathtaker picked the fliers back up, then slapped them back down again. She didn’t think Dixon had engaged in any wrongdoing. She’d seen his reaction upon Rowena’s death. He was devastated.