Oathtaker

by Patricia Reding

“It sounded like a scream to me.”

  “Didn’t hear nothin’,” he repeated, glancing at her. “You’d best mind your own business or you might be next.”

  “So it was a scream.”

  His muscles tensed as though in warning, but she stood firm in the face of his threat. He shook his head, made a face at her, then turned away.

  She closed the tarp, then pulled her hair back and tied it up. She started yet another mental inventory of the things she’d seen that confirmed that Lilith was no longer on the side of the Good One. Velia had never known a Select who’d released her Oathtaker and she’d never seen a Select without one. Still, she didn’t feel moved to swear an oath for Lilith’s protection—and the woman never suggested she do so. It all added up to no good.

  More screams came to her attention. She had to get to the bottom of this. But what if she did? What would she do with the information anyway? Who would she tell? Who would believe her?

  She decided to see what would happen if she left her wagon. When Lilith first confined her there, she said it was for Velia’s safety. She accepted that explanation without question, at least outwardly. But after days turned into boring weeks, she concluded that Lilith was not concerned for her safety. The woman kept her prisoner for some other, unknown reason.

  Velia grasped her shawl and unsheathed her Oathtaker’s blade. Then she lifted the tarp and jumped down. The light snowy groundcover crunched under her boots.

  “Stop right there,” one of the guards said.

  “Oh, really, and who’s going to stop me?” She turned his way. “You?”

  He nodded, a weak smirk on his face.

  “I don’t think so. Or have you forgotten about this weapon I carry?” She brandished her blade as she stepped forward.

  The guard blocked her way. “You’re not going anywhere.”

  “Well you might, if you don’t let me pass. You might find your way straight to Sinespe.”

  “If you kill me, Lilith will have your life.”

  “Is that right? What makes you think she cares what happens to you?”

  He sneered. “Nothing. What makes you think she cares what happens to you?”

  Velia bit her lip. He had a point. “I just need to take a walk. I can’t sit there any longer,” she said, pointing to her wagon.

  “Not now.”

  “Let me pass.”

  “No.”

  She sighed. “What will Lilith do to you if you allow me to pass? Really now, what harm could it cause?”

  “She’d kill me, that’s what.”

  “So let me get this straight. If you don’t let me pass, I’ll kill you. If you do let me pass, Lilith will kill you.” She smiled. “I rather like the sounds of that.”

  The guard’s smirk fell, but he stood firm.

  Once again, she stepped forward.

  He followed suit.

  She raised her blade.

  “What’s this all about?” Someone approached from behind Velia’s wagon.

  The guard looked up and grimaced.

  Velia turned. There stood Lilith. Clearly, the woman was not pleased.

  “I asked,” Lilith repeated, “what’s all this?” She turned to the guard. “I told you not to allow her to leave.”

  “I didn’t,” he said. “I was just—”

  “And you,” she said turning to Velia. “I thought we had an understanding. I’ve left you under guard for your own protection.”

  Velia knew that what the woman said was false. She decided to take a chance. “Lilith, ma’am, I just can’t stay cooped up like this. I need to get out. But he,” she continued, gesturing toward the guard, “won’t let me pass.”

  The woman was quiet for a long moment. “I think it’s time we had a talk,” she finally said. “Velia, was it?”

  In frustration, the Oathtaker closed her eyes and inhaled slowly. Perhaps she held them closed a second too long.

  “Something wrong?” Lilith asked.

  “I’m sorry. I meant no offense. Yes, my name is Velia.”

  Lilith’s expression did not change.

  “It’s just like I said, Lilith, I feel cooped up here. I’d hoped to be of some assistance to you, but it seems you’ve no use for me. So perhaps I should just be on my way.”

  Lilith’s stared, silent.

  “Or we could . . . talk . . . as you suggest?”

  Lilith’s eyes ran down Velia’s form slowly, then made their way back up. She showed her obvious disdain with pursed lips and a raised brow. She turned away, calling over her shoulder, “Come with me.”

  “Your lucky day,” Velia mocked the guard, quietly. “It looks like you won’t die after all.” Without waiting for his response, she followed Lilith.

  The men had trampled upon everything in sight, leaving filth and scraps and excrement around every corner and creating a foulness to the air. Mangy dogs sniffed around and urinated on trees, tents, and wagon wheels.

  Lilith never looked back. A guard assisted her into her wagon, then turned to Velia and leered. “One uh these days,” he whispered, “we’ll have tuh get together, huh? Just you an’ me. You’ll like it.”

  She spat on him.

  He wiped the spittle from his face with the back of his hand. “Ya don’t have to say nothin’. Just keep pretendin’ you’re not int’rested.” He reached for her arm.

  She shook his hand free. Still holding her weapon, she stared.

  He stepped back.

  “Are you coming?” Lilith called.

  Velia stepped into the wagon. Upon entering, the headache inducing scent of roses and white lilies assaulted her. She could taste rosewater. It nearly made her gag. She swallowed hard. The scent was so unlike that of any other Select she’d ever known. After composing herself, she turned her attention to Lilith.

  “Was he bothering you?” the woman asked in a tone that sounded deeply insincere. “Like I said, I have you under guard for your own protection.”

  “No, ma’am, he wasn’t bothering me.”

  Lilith raised her chin. “Very well then, have a seat.”

  Velia sat. She held her hands clasped in her lap, in her most attentive pose.

  “So, what can I do for you, Velia?”

  The Oathtaker felt Lilith’s eyes bore into her. “Well, ma’am,” she said, “I’d like to be of service to you, but I don’t see how I can be. Why must I stay behind when you’re about your business? Why surround me with guards rather than allow me to be of service to you? And if I can’t be of service, then why don’t I just move on? I’m sorry, but I’ve just so many questions.”

  “Questions can prove dangerous.”

  Was that a threat? “Yes, ma’am, but how then am I to serve you?”

  Lilith reached for Pooch and cradled the animal in her arms. “I don’t know why I’m bothering to discuss this with you, but if it will keep you out of trouble . . .” She took in a deep breath, then let it out slowly. “Before you came to us, Velia, had you heard any rumor of a new seventh?”

  “A new seventh? Why, no, ma’am. The only one I knew of was Rowena, but I’d heard that she . . . died.” Velia hesitated. “I’m terribly sorry for your loss.”

  Lilith’s expression remained unchanged.

  “What’s this of a new seventh?”

  Lilith smiled insincerely. “There are those who would like to remove me from my place among the Select. They are jealous of me and of my position. They seek power for themselves and so, would foist a fraud upon the people.”

  “A fraud, ma’am?”

  “There are those who claim to know of a new seventh.” Lilith brushed crumbs off a nearby table, as though she was brushing away the claims.

  Velia knew the woman spoke lies. But exactly what things were lies? Did Lilith’s words mean there was no new seventh? Or that there were no people who claimed there was a new seventh? “I’m sorry,” she said. “Who are these people?”

  Lilith straightened her skirt. “Those who claim to have been friends of
Rowena’s.”

  True they claimed to be friends of Rowena’s. But was it also true that they were friends of Rowena’s? “Who, ma’am, if you don’t mind my asking, that is?”

  “Rowena’s Oathtaker.”

  True. Rowena’s Oathtaker made the claims. But was it also true that the claims were true? “Wasn’t Dixon Townsend her Oathtaker?”

  “Yes, that’s right.”

  True. “And he was Rowena’s friend as well as her Oathtaker?”

  “Yes.”

  True again. Oh, how to ask the right questions so as to get the right information . . . Velia didn’t want to know whether it was true or false that someone claimed something. She wanted to know if what the person claimed was true or false.

  “A new seventh. But, Lilith, wouldn’t that be wonderful?”

  Lilith refused to meet the Oathtaker’s eye. She said nothing.

  “But of course, a fraud upon the people would be devastating.” Velia hesitated, collecting her thoughts. “Lilith, I’m so sorry Dixon would lie about such a thing.”

  “Yes, well, he would and he did.”

  False. There is a new seventh. “I’m so sorry, Lilith.” The Oathtaker took in a deep breath. “But why would he do such a thing?”

  “He hates me. He always has. Ever since I refused him. Now he plans to mislead the people with this nonexistent new seventh.”

  False. False. False. And false. “So what can you do about it? How can I help?”

  “Well, Velia, thank you, but there’s really nothing you can do.” Lilith turned away. “I’m just trying to find Dixon so I can put a stop to this nonsense.”

  Velia couldn’t tell about the veracity of that statement. She recognized it as partially true and partially false. Was Lilith trying to find Dixon? Or was she trying to put a stop to the “nonsense?” Or was it just false that it was “nonsense?”

  “I understand, Lilith. I understand completely.” She glanced at the trinkets on the table at her side. She was momentarily surprised to find a bottle of rosewater. Why would a Select try to cover her own heavenly scent? Or is Lilith merely trying to create the impression that she has one, that she’s found favor with the Good One? That’s it! There is further confirmation she’s not following the Good One. “Have you any idea where he might be? Perhaps I could help you to find him.”

  “No, I don’t know where he is.”

  True. “No idea?”

  “I’ve heard rumors in a number of places we’ve passed through. Some say he’s been seen in the highlands. Someone else suggested he might have opted for the City of Light.”

  True and true. “But how will you put a stop to his plans?”

  Lilith rose. “If I find the person he claims is the new seventh, I’ll bring her to the Council for review.”

  False. In that moment, Velia knew that the woman planned to kill the new seventh. “Do you still want me to stay? Is there some way I can assist you?” She hoped Lilith would dismiss her. On the other hand, she did want to find out more.

  Lilith resumed her seat. “I had hoped when the time came, Velia, that you might be of assistance. I mean, you must admit, it is rather odd for a Select to be without an Oathtaker.”

  Oh, gracious! Don’t let her ask me to be her Oathtaker! After all this time, she wouldn’t ask now, would she? What would I say? What could I say but that Ehyeh has not called me to swear an oath for her protection? Surely, she would understand that.

  “It may help me to avoid unnecessary questions if I have an Oathtaker traveling with me.”

  “Even if you’re not that Oathtaker’s charge?”

  Lilith waved her hand through the air. “Oh, I’ve had enough of all that. I don’t want an Oathtaker. I don’t need one. I just want to be recognized for what I am.”

  True that she doesn’t want on Oathtaker. True that she doesn’t need one. That’s odd. False that she just wants others to recognize her for what she is. “I understand,” Velia said as she rose to go. “Thank you, Lilith. I appreciate this.”

  “Sure. Just stay out of trouble now and stay out of the way of my guards.”

  “Yes, I will. Thank you again for your time.” Velia turned to go.

  “Oh, by the way . . .”

  The Oathtaker turned back.

  “What are your attendant powers?”

  Velia blinked. She opened her mouth to speak. For a minute, she feared her voice would fail her. “Oh, nothing much,” she said. “My charge was a mere first.” What a lie! “Just simple things like lighting lamps, heating things quickly. Oh, and I can take on the pain of another.” She paused. “And I have some limited power to communicate with animals.”

  “Animals?”

  “Yes, but it’s quite limited really.”

  “You should do well with these men then.”

  The Oathtaker grimaced as she turned away, but in acknowledgement of Lilith’s comment, she laughed. “Yes.”

  She jumped down. On sight of the guard, she pulled out her blade and watched him as she passed by.

  When she arrived at her wagon, she walked around to the back of it. She confirmed that no one watched her. Then she grasped its edge, pulled her hair back, leaned forward—and retched.

  CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE

  Nancy and Celestine set dinner out family style. The smells of wood roasted fowl, steamed vegetables, fresh bread, blueberry cobbler, and assorted side dishes, filled the air.

  Dixon picked up the bowl of oven roasted potatoes, drizzled with olive oil and sprinkled with rosemary and sea salt. He inhaled deeply.

  “Everyone pass to your left,” he shouted over the din to the diners’ delight. He put some on Mara’s plate per her direction, as her hands were full with Reigna, before helping himself to a sizeable portion. He turned to Leala to assist her, then excusing himself, handed the bowl to Therese at the old woman’s other side.

  The group treated the back room that Ezra had provided for their convenience, as a sort of home away from home. They conversed, caught up, shared information, and generally enjoyed one another’s company. Fidel and Leala spent significant time with them, as Mara rarely left the inn. The innkeeper joined in whenever his duties allowed.

  Mara held Reigna tightly. The girls, having grown considerably, were awake a great deal more and paid more attention to their surroundings. Everyone enjoyed their smiles and coos. Often there was a near battle for who got to hold one of them next. Fortunately, they were both napping now.

  Her eyes brimmed with tears. At her insistence, Nina sat with Eden at her other side. From time to time, Mara reached over to touch the child or leaned over to nuzzle her. She’d been nearly inseparable from the twins ever since she and Dixon had returned from Polesk.

  He watched her closely. “They’re safe,” he said quietly as he leaned in. “We’ll get what we need here and be on our way before Lilith arrives. Ezra has plenty of men in the field to keep us informed.”

  “It’s not just that. I just don’t want to have to leave them again.”

  “Sometimes it can’t be helped. You were right when you insisted on going to Polesk. You’re the only one who could have traveled there and back so quickly. And now we know.”

  “It’s just the pain of being separated from them.” She swallowed hard.

  “Still, sometimes it’s good to take a breather. That’s why I asked you to go out for a walk with me this evening. What do you say? Come on,” he urged, “don’t say ‘no’ this time.”

  “I don’t know.”

  “The fresh air would do you good. You’ve been cooped up too long, studying too hard.”

  She shrugged. “Maybe.”

  “I’d enjoy it.” He nudged her shoulder. He reached out with little touches more and more frequently all the time.

  “Yes, I would too. I just . . . I don’t know.”

  “They’ll be fine.”

  “But what of your being out? You might be recognized.”

  “We’ll go after dark and stay away from the cro
wds. Come on, say you’ll join me.”

  Dixon seemed genuinely concerned about her since their return from Polesk. It was almost frightening. Again and again she thought about her future—about Dixon. She couldn’t involve herself with him in light of her oath, but she found it increasingly difficult not to be angry about it. Was it possible the Good One would have introduced her to the man she would come to love, the man she knew she wanted to spend her future with, just moments after she’d sworn her future to the lives and safety of others, just moments after Rowena’s death had released him from his oath?

  “Come on, humor me. Tell me I’ve sufficiently charmed you into agreeing,” he whispered.

  She smiled wanly. “Very well then, I’m charmed.” She looked long into his eyes. “We’ll go after the meeting.” She glanced over at Eden and once again stroked the infant’s face.

  Dixon caught Basha’s eye. She glanced at Mara and raised a brow, then looked back at him in question. He shrugged in response.

  When dinner was complete, Nancy and Celestine removed the dirty dishes. They left behind a few carafes of wine, various finger-sized chocolates, and some tea.

  Mara stood. She handed Reigna to Adele, then returned to the middle of the table. The room went quiet. All eyes were on her as she resumed her seat.

  These meetings were intended to be all-inclusive, to encourage everyone to participate, to offer suggestions and to share what they learned in their studies. Mara knew that if she stayed on her feet, the others would be less likely to participate, that conversation would be stilted and cautious. In that event, their cause might suffer. She wanted all ideas on the table at all times.

  “Thank you, all.” She swallowed hard. “You all mean more to me than I can say.”

  Everyone watched her closely.

  “Leala and Fidel,” she said, “to pick up on our earlier conversation, you seem to think that this is a simple matter of my claiming my rightful position as the girls’ regent to lead the Council, but—”

  “You have that right,” Leala interrupted, “and it would thwart Lilith’s plans, stop her in her tracks.”

  “Certainly, she has the right,” Basha said, “but forgive me for saying, Leala, that you don’t know Lilith. Rest assured, the facts would not interrupt her. Who knows what influence she might already have had with the other Council members? What lies she may have told?” She turned to Therese. “I’m sorry, but I have to tell it like it is.”