Sareta glanced down at Queen Beatrix. The benevolent woman had been kind to her, but none compared to her heart as her favorite grandchild, Amicia.
Amicia leaned over and kissed Queen Beatrix’s cheek.
Sareta could not deny that Amicia beamed. Her cousin was lovely, slender and graceful. She sang like a bird.
Queen Beatrix rose.
The garden stilled. All that could be heard was the water trickling out of the marble foundation. A slight breeze carried with it the fragrance of newly bloomed roses.
Despite the tranquility of the moment, Sareta found herself anxious.
“I am greatly honored this morn.” Queen Beatrix tugged at Amicia’s hand to rise herself. “It does my old heart good to see such happiness in my granddaughter’s eyes. King Edulf has agreed to her attachment. Amicia will wed the Lord Commander, Cono Lothar.”
Amicia’s eyes gleamed.
Beside Amicia, Lady Faileuba stood. “My heart swells with such an honor bestowed on my only grandson. The Great One has smiled down upon Cono.”
“You are all invited to the attachment dinner tonight,” Queen Beatrix said. “Once more, we celebrate.”
Sareta clapped along with Wymarcha and Cinara. Something drew her eyes away from the scene. In the walkway, servants stood within, watching the events unfold. One caught her attention.
For a brief moment, she thought it a cruel jape. The servant looked like Kela…but it couldn’t be, for she was truly a servant.
Her surcoat and crespine left little doubt of her status. Yet, her face betrayed her distress.
Sareta’s mouth opened to call at the woman and closed.
She glanced around nervously. While everyone’s attention was upon Amicia, she eased away from the table.
Her one intent lay upon that woman.
Servants were coming and going. Yet, this woman stood still, gaping.
By the woman, two young girls seemed quite apprehensive, unsure of what they should do. The taller one grabbed the other’s hand.
Sareta cried, “Kela, it is you!”
The servant looked back. Immediate recognition crossed her face.
There was no happy reunion. Kela made no movement.
Sareta’s heart lodged in her throat. She wanted to throw her arms about her sister, but she hesitated.
It was not Kela’s dress as a servant or dirty hands and face. It was not that her sister smelled of overripe cheese.
No, it was the look upon Kela’s face.
“Kela, you have returned,” Sareta said. “Praise be! Grandfather relented!”
“There has been no relenting, Sareta. Much is wrong.”
Sareta made no attempt to protest. She said, “It is.”
“Come, we have a great need to talk without anyone to hear,” Kela urged. “You can do so, can you not?”
Flicking her hand, Sareta nodded. “It is done. We can see everyone, but they do not see or hear us. I have used it before with success.”
She did not add that it was for childish pranks.
The look Kela gave Sareta was grim and cold. “We do not have much time. I’m leaving Yucca.”
“Leaving? Why, you have only just arrived.” Sareta felt tears welling. “Are you angry with me?”
“Why wouldn’t I be angry? I was left alone in the Forbidden Forest. No one cared to search for me. I have worried about you. I came to you when the Hallow Minions attacked. Yet, instead of holding to your path, you have chosen to live in your finery, laughing and jesting with no thoughts of me.”
“Grandfather and Falco assured me all was fine. That you were being well cared for.” Sareta’s voice quivered with confusion. “Why, my dearest sister, would you think I have forgotten about you?”
“The words will hurt, but I have no time except to be blunt. You have not asked about Guilda, but I will tell you true, she, too, was left within the Forbidden Forest.”
“No,” Sareta cried. Her knees buckled, collapsing upon the ground. “Grandfather said…”
“I care not what King Edulf said. He is nothing to me.” Kela paused. Tears fell down her cheeks. “Guilda fell ill. There was nothing I could do…she passed in her sleep.”
“No, she could not have. She would have called to me.”
“Guilda did, Sareta,” Kela said without mercy. “You need to listen well, Sareta. When Twiten died, the shield around the Forbidden Forest fell. I barely survived when the Hallow Minions attacked.”
Sobbing, Sareta cried, “Guilda died without me beside her!”
In her next breath, Sareta felt Kela’s arms around her. “Do not cry, little sister. You have no time for tears.”
Sareta choked back tears. “My heart breaks. I never wanted any of this. I wanted you…Falco…Turstan and Guilda. I wanted our family.”
For a long moment, there was silence. Finally, Kela pulled away from Sareta. “Listen well to me, Sareta. You are a Witheleghean. You are powerful. You need only to grasp hold of your magic.
“Shield yourself. Trust no one. Dark magic lives within Yucca.”
Sareta grasped hold of Kela’s arm. “Don’t leave me. Take me with you.”
Her heart was broken. She could not bear her sister to depart when they had only just been reunited.
Kela smiled, bringing back the loving face Sareta remembered. Kela took Sareta by her shoulders. “I will never desert you, sister. I never have. Promise me that you will shield yourself. Promise me.”
Sareta found joy in Kela’s belief in her ability. She nodded.
“It is dangerous here, Sareta. Do not falter until we meet again.” Kela leaned over and kissed Sareta’s cheek. “I have one favor to ask. The young girls who are with me. Their names are Gila and Marisa.
“I need you to care for these two girls. Take them within these walls and offer them a place of work and protection.”
“Is that what you want from me? Then I give my word I will do so. I would do anything for you, my sister.”
“As I would you.”
Sareta felt the connection and knew it true.
* * * *
Beside her sister, Sareta’s confidence grew. Only when Kela had departed had doubts emerged.
Kela was the strong one.
Sareta stared at Gila and Marisa, wondering how to keep her word. How am I to claim them as my servants? What am I to do?
As if Kela could read her mind, she told Sareta, “Transport the girls back to your apartment. Take them as your maids. They will be loyal and true.”
“I will do so,” Sareta answered.
Kela gave her a small smile. “It is time for me to go. Remember the power you hold. It will protect you.”
Sareta had done as Kela had bidden.
Her sister was different than the others around her. Kela expected her to be able to protect herself.
The thought scared Sareta.
She wanted Kela to stay and protect her. She wanted Falco to be as he used to be. Oh, she wanted Guilda.
The time was short between the sisters. Sareta hadn’t told Kela about the troublesome dreams she had been having. Neither had she mentioned the weakening she had felt overcome her.
Kela is right. There is a dark change. I can feel it also. She had mentioned her fear to her brother. Falco had dismissed it, telling her she was fanciful. She had not dared go to King Edulf.
She had no one else to trust.
Dispirited, Sareta returned to the table. She was in no mood to celebrate. Irony suffused within her that Kela should have been part of the celebration.
Sudden indignation swept through her for Kela. It should have been hers.
“Where have you been, sweet Sareta?” Belasquita asked.
“It would be rude for me to say,” Sareta said, insinuating she had gone to the privy. She wanted to add, As it is for you to ask. Instead, she said nothing more and took her seat.
Belasquita looked at Sareta oddly. “Pardon me, my sister, but I want only to know who it was you were talking with.”
Sareta met Belasquita’s eyes. Her sister-in-law’s eyes flamed with a darkness that scared Sareta.
Yet, she found the strength not to be intimidated. “I don’t know what you mean.”
“The servant girl,” Belasquita insisted. “You disappeared…and returned with the servant girl. Who was she?”
The verbal attack came so sudden…so unexpected all Sareta could do was stare. She felt blood rush to her cheeks.
“I’m sorry, Sareta,” Wymarcha confessed. “Belasquita asked where you were. I saw you vanish as you had done when you were younger.”
“Leave Sareta alone, Belasquita,” Queen Beatrix said. “This is a celebration.”
“We cannot ignore the use of magic, dear grandmother,” Belasquita said. “King Edulf frowns upon it, especially now with the growing threat around us.”
“I beg your pardon, Belasquita. You are right. I should not have done so, but I had need for a moment to myself,” Sareta said, hoping to quell Belasquita’s questions.
“Why?” Belasquita commanded, as if it were she who reigned on the throne.
“Stop it,” Amicia declared. “This is nonsense. Can you not see the news of my attachment is hard on her? Have mercy!”
“What? You believe Sareta is in love with your warrior! Ridiculous!” Belasquita rose and pointed to one of her guards. “Bring the servant girl to me.”
Sareta had known that once challenged, Belasquita would not stop until she was proved right. She prayed that Kela had indeed departed.
“That is the girl,” Belasquita said when the guard reappeared. “Bring her to me.”
Sareta’s heart sank. The guard had Kela.
Belasquita rose. She took Kela by the arm and pulled her close.
“What is your name? Where do you hail from?” Belasquita demanded.
Kela lifted her head. “I am only a lowly kitchen maid, Your Grace.”
Whipping back her hand, Belasquita slapped Kela hard across her face. “Your name?”
Defiantly, Kela made no effort to answer.
Please, Kela. Tell her. Sareta begged with her eyes, knowing the ramification of defying Belasquita. She feared her sister had gone well beyond Belasquita trying to determine why Sareta had used magic.
Belasquita lifted her hand to hit her again.
Kela caught it. “I think not,” Kela said boldly. “Not today.”
Sareta saw Belasquita’s face turn beet-red. Her brother’s wife seethed.
“Guards! Seize her!” Belasquita cried, trying to wrench her arm away from Kela. “Beggar girl, you will not see another day!”
Kela flung Belasquita’s hand back. Sareta knew well what Kela was doing. The guards rushed toward Kela, only to be blocked by her shield.
Belasquita became a madwoman. She lunged at Kela, slashing at Kela with her nails that looked like claws. Snagged on Kela’s sleeve, Belasquita jerked back.
The sleeve was sliced up to the elbow, revealing a binding that had been cut as well. The material peeled away. Sareta froze on the sight.
Kela was marked.
With her shame exposed, Kela gasped, but she made no attempt to cover the mark.
Belasquita wasn’t done. She grabbed at Kela’s neck. The next instant, Sareta saw the reason why: a golden necklace.
“Where did you steal this?” Belasquita demanded, holding up the medallion glittering in the sunlight.
Kela clutched the chain back and held it against her chest.
Amicia could not contain her shock. She pushed back from the table and got to her feet. “I recognize it… It is Cono’s. He is never without it. She stole it!”
“It is mine,” Kela declared. “Cono gave it to me…”
“Have you no shame! If he had, you would have known better than to attempt to associate with us,” Lady Faileuba said solemnly. “I know not your intentions, but much wrath you have brought upon yourself this day. You will, of course, have to give me the necklace. Then be gone and show not your face to us!”
The scene shocked Sareta, who watched Lady Faileuba comfort Amicia. How could Kela have been so foolish! Suddenly the mark upon Kela meant nothing to Sareta.
Kela was her sister.
Gone was her indecision. She would answer…
“Snake!” Cinara’s cry was shrill with alarm. She pointed toward a bowl of fruit.
Sareta caught sight of a red and black striped snake winding through the table settings. The women leapt up, turning over the table. Sareta fell off the gazebo onto the grass in the panic.
Pushing back on her hands, Sareta saw the serpent slither toward her. She froze, recognizing it instantly. A kannella was the most poisonous snake in the realm. Once bitten, its victim was dead within seconds.
The kannella quickened its movement. Darting up on its tail, the snake snapped back its head. All Sareta saw was sharp black teeth striking.
A sudden burst shook the ground. Another and another sparked the air until the snake was slammed against the stone foundation of the Royal Garden’s fountain. Dead.
Sareta felt her heart beat again. Glancing up, she found Kela staring at her with a knowing smile.
Once more, her sister had saved her.
All around, chaos ensued. Queen Beatrix had a cut on her forehead. Blood flowed down over her eye. Amicia knelt by the queen’s side.
Weeping resonated throughout the garden.
Guards converged like the onslaught of a stampede of fleogans. Kela turned. Sareta saw her sister’s hesitation.
Sareta understood.
Kela had no desire to hurt those she was pledged to protect. Yet, Sareta recognized Kela would not go with them.
Waiting no longer, Sareta uttered her wish under her breath. Unsure where Kela wanted to be, she sent her sister out into the bailey. Then, instantly, Kela was surrounded by a fog.
Belasquita seethed, yelling at the guards to find Kela. Wymarcha and Cinara sobbed. Amicia looked confused.
Sareta smiled.
KELA
The Fate Now Faced
Chaos ensued.
Kela ran through the mist her sister had given her.
She eased back against the stone wall along the stairs to the entrance of the Great Hall. She watched Wing warriors scramble down the steps into the fog.
Through the thickened haze, orders thundered. Kela’s stomach tightened. She had to make it to Falco. She had to talk to her brother before she left to find Seilda the Tvopac.
Kela listened for descending footsteps until she could no longer hear them, then she rushed up into the hall. She edged to the far end of the hall along the massive Sordarin warrior tapestry.
Preparations had already begun for a feast. At the end of the long table, the king’s chair had been brought down. A magnificent piece of craftsmanship, the enormous chair had been carved out of mahogany from the Adhor Forest. Flying Sordarins had been notched into the back, with the grand Preda Mountains in the background. Gold trimmed the elegant high-back chair.
Rushlights were placed at every other place setting. Oil lamps in bowls hung suspended in a ring. Torches were posted along the walls.
She made it as far as the long table before she caught sight of a Royal Wing.
He gestured to her. “You, girl! Halt!”
Kela turned without a word. She had no desire to use her powers. Yet, she had no choice this day.
“Kornel, put down your weapon. Her Grace, Princess Sareta has requested this maid. Do not delay her appearance!”
The guard dropped his sword. “You may pass.”
Lowering her gaze, Kela nodded politely. She took no chance of the guard changing his mind. She scuttled by him.
“Girl, follow me.”
Kela’s heart raced, but then, she saw who called to her.
Larko, Johannes’s lover!
She dared not say a word, but wanted only to keep pace with his long strides. He walked quickly down a long hall to a wide winding staircase. He strode up. Kela was not far behind.
> The silence remained until he ventured off to another corridor. Kela paused when they reached a mezzanine with a great window overviewing the Royal Garden.
The fog had dissipated. Once more, the sky was cleared, filled with Sordarin warriors.
“Kela, we must not delay. I have a place for you to hide for the time being.”
Larko came to the fifth door and opened it to a large chamber.
“Come in.” Larko stayed in the doorway until Kela passed into the apartment. He closed the door behind her.
“I don’t have time to explain everything that has passed. Johannes sent me to look for you immediately when we heard of the commotion in the Royal Garden.”
“Johannes has returned?”
“He arrived last night.”
“And Cono?”
Larko didn’t answer. He didn’t have to say a word. Kela saw well in his eyes the answer.
Why has he not sought me out? Kela fought back the urge to find Cono in the midst of all the bedlam.
“I do not know what is happening, Kela. I have only done what Johannes requested of me. Everyone is searching for you. You have to realize that you must hide until Johannes can…”
“But my brother?”
“In that, I don’t know except in the moment Johannes spoke to me, he said only for you to trust no one. I’m sorry I don’t have any answers. Stay here and when it’s safe, Johannes will come.”
Kela had no other choice.
She watched Larko exit, shutting the door tightly.
The chamber was large and richly appointed. Arched windows ran the entire length of the west wall, with large double doors that allowed access to the balcony. Purple velvet curtains were pulled back by golden fringed ropes.
Sordarin high-back chairs and a small table sat in front of the hearth. A golden harp graced the corner alongside a marble statue portraying a Sordarin warrior.
She turned. A large magnificent tapestry hung on the north wall, portraying a mighty battle of long ago, so vivid, so detailed. A feathered bed with corner posts sat in front of the depicted scene.
Yet, it was the gold-plated mirror that dominated the room, encompassing most of the south wall.
The Path Now Turned Page 12
