Midnight Quest

by Honor Raconteur

Rialt snagged Jewel’s hand before one step could be taken and set a course for the outside at a brisk walk. Chizeld and Sarvell exchanged amused glances as both men followed along. Only Rialt would think to threaten the way out of that situation.

  After reaching the outside, with the door safely closed, Jewel announced to no one in particular, “This is the last time that I do any sort of formal temple visit. From now on, I’m just going to be rude!”

  Rialt’s scowl eased and a slow chuckle tumbled forth. “I second the motion, lass.”

  “Third,” Chizeld chimed in, untying the reins horse.

  “Motion carried,” Sarvell played along, mounting in an easy motion. “Now let’s get out of here before someone can think to catch us.”

  “Where to?” Jewel asked, her foot already in the stirrup.

  Chizeld met the men’s looks with a smug smile. “Lyra.”

  ~*~*~*~

  Jewel didn’t quite know if she was relieved or anxious about leaving Morton. Having to constantly check her every word to avoid offending the Jordians around her was tiring. On the other hand, once they left Morton, they only had a few hours of travel before they entered the Blenkhorn Mountains. Well-traveled highway or no, she did not look forward to that leg of the trip.

  What it really boiled down to was which she preferred to trip over: words or roots.

  They mounted up that morning and headed back toward the highway. The storm the day before had turned the path into one of puddles and mud. Jewel could feel it being splashed onto the hem of her skirt and her boots. Of course if she were getting muddy riding along in this, she couldn’t imagine what Bortonor was like. His fur would be caked in mud by this evening.

  Sleeping with a muddy dog. Now didn’t that sound appealing.

  The majority of the day didn’t present her any real trouble considering they were on horseback most of the time. Since they were still on a major highway, they encountered quite a bit of traffic. This road was the most direct route from Veris to Jordia, after all.

  Most of it consisted of caravans and traders. Jordia had a long history of producing very high quality instruments, art, and things of that nature. Veris enjoyed trading anything they could lay their hands on. The two clans were on good terms with each other just because of business alone.

  People traveling south toward Veris were of a good humor and were perfectly willing to trade a few words as they passed the party. They assured Sarvell that the road ahead was clear, or had been when they passed through, so everyone anticipated no problems ahead.

  Jewel’s problems were just starting, though.

  The highway had dozens of spots off to the side of the road that were meant for camping. This mountain seemed to have little pockets of waterfalls and streams all over the place, giving every camping spot access to water. People clearly used the same spot over and over, as a niche had been carved in over time. As long as Jewel stayed inside the camp area she had no problems.

  But, of course, a girl couldn’t stay directly in the camp the entire time.

  She took Bortonor with her to answer a call of nature, and spent the entire distance away from the camp stumbling over deadfall and brushing against rough tree trunks. By the time she had turned around and started for the camp again, her hair had been caught three times on limbs, she’d nearly fallen twice, and had careened right off of one tree into another. Bortonor was doing his best to keep her on a straight path, but the density of the woods made this nigh impossible.

  “Here now, lass, hold up.” Rialt’s heavy stride approached her at a quick, sure pace. “I’ll get you.”

  “I hate mountains,” she declared venomously.

  “I know,” he answered patiently. Fortunately for him, not a trace of humor could be detected in his voice. If he had found this situation funny, to see her stumbling about like a drunkard, she’d have hit him as soon as he was in range. “Here, I’ll carry you back.”

  Jewel typically would have insisted on finding her own way back, but right now she’d take any help offered. When he lifted her up into his arms, she put her head into the crook of his neck, as if hiding from the world, and gathered his shirt collar into a tight fist.

  “Mountains are evil.”

  “Absolutely,” he agreed deadpan. “Should be abolished.”

  “And forests too.”

  “I will get right on it.”

  Somehow he managed to tickle her funny bone and she smiled. “I am being ridiculous, aren’t I?”

  “I did no say that,” he pointed out mildly.

  You didn’t have to, she didn’t say aloud. She lifted her head to say something, but the sensation that brushed against her forehead didn’t match with the image of Rialt she had in her head. Frowning, she lifted a hand and felt along his jaw. “Rialt, when did you shave your beard off?”

  “Eh? Ah, last night. It be a mite too warm to be covered in hair.” He turned and started walking back toward the camp in an even stride. “I always shave in the spring. Beard be like to itch a man to death otherwise.”

  She supposed that did make sense. “Do you cut your hair too?”

  “No, just tied it up.”

  Good. She didn’t want him to make too many changes. She rather liked him the way he was.

  As sweet as this was for him to come fetch her, Jewel didn’t really like the idea of having to be rescued every time that she went more than a dozen steps from the camp. There were difficulties being the only woman traveling with a group of men after all. “Rialt…how long will it take to clear the mountains at this rate?”

  “Four days, belike.”

  Four days? Jewel’s head thunked against his shoulder. At this moment, that seemed like an eternity.

  Chapter Twenty-six

  Jewel had never been so glad to get back on flat land in her life. Still, even after they left the mountains it took another two days of travel to reach the Jordian crystal. No one was really surprised to find that it was in Lyra, the capitol city of Jordia. It would have to be at the far north of the clan’s territory, after all, for it to be in line with the other crystals.

  As they entered Lyra, Jewel turned her head this way and that, collecting all of the information that her senses could tell her. This city had a very different feel to it than others. Most cities had a certain level of noise from the traffic, various shops, and workshops. But this city didn’t adhere to that general rule. Jewel cocked her head in bemusement.

  “I’m not hearing a lot of people. Is the city not very populated?”

  “Eh?” Rialt paused a moment before responding, as if he were just now realizing what she asked. “No, lass, it be as full up with people as any other. But they be quieter.”

  “It’s part of the Jordian culture,” Sarvell offered from up ahead. “They don’t believe on imposing on people in any way, and that includes being too noisy. You’ll find that they only get loud when the occasion calls for it.”

  Jewel smiled. She hated noisy places just on general principal, so being in a place that wouldn’t hurt her ears sounded like paradise.

  “The man standing near the gate—see?” Chizeld asked suddenly.

  “Where?” Sarvell asked, but quickly added, “Oh, him? He’s in the Order’s red uniform, so, is he Jordia’s armsman?”

  “Yes,” Chizeld confirmed. “One of the men sent to the Jordian high priestess. Good. This way can be guided directly to priestess.”

  Jewel echoed that sentiment with relief. At least with this priestess they wouldn’t have to go looking for her. “Who is it, Chizeld?”

  “Stiles,” he responded before raising his voice slightly. “Stiles!”

  The other man gave no audible response, but he must have waved or something as Chizeld didn’t try calling out to him again. Heavy steps came toward them in a half-run before stopping just as quickly.

  “Sir! Priestess Havenevik bids welcome. Wished for the party to be guided in.”

  “By all means, Stiles, lead the way,” Jewel encouraged him.<
br />
  “Yes, Priestess.”

  They’d been riding at a brisk walk, but with their guide on foot the party’s pace slowed to a more leisurely saunter. Jewel could hear Stiles directly ahead of her and seemingly keeping pace with Sarvell. Since he was well within earshot, she raised her voice just loud enough to reach him and asked, “Were you waiting long, Stiles?”

  “Since yesterday afternoon,” Stiles admitted frankly. “Not sure when Priestess would arrive. Heavy rainfall in the past few days, after all.”

  Yes, and they’d been caught out in it at one point. Jewel had felt like a drowned rat afterwards. “And the priestess, you found her in a good situation?”

  “Priestess has been researching all this time while waiting for Priestess Jomadd’s arrival,” Stiles answered. “Has many questions waiting to be answered. But Priestess is in good spirits and eager to work.”

  Good news all around.

  “You be prepared for assassins and the like, then?” Rialt asked calmly.

  “Made preparations upon arrival,” Stiles assured him. “No signs of trouble so far. Like to keep it that way.”

  “Good man.”

  Jewel breathed a sigh of relief as well. She and Chizeld had made sure that the strongest fighters were sent to Jordia for one very obvious reason—Jordia wasn’t that far from Daath. If any priestess was in danger from assassins, it would be Ramath’s. But in close second would be Jordia’s. Chizeld assured her that these two men had the skill to keep Priestess Havenevik safe. Jewel just prayed he was right.

  “Turn here,” Stiles directed.

  They made a right turn where he indicated. Jewel could smell a great many scents that she associated with crafters—wood, leather, dyes, and paint. “We’re in a guild district?”

  “Eh, mostly musicians and the like,” Rialt answered quietly. “A busy enough place, it be, with people going in every direction. It no becluttered, though, like most cities. The place has the same spacing between each building. Someone planned this street out well.” A note of approval sounded in Rialt’s voice.

  Jordians were well-renowned for taking great care in every facet of their lives. Jewel didn’t find it a surprise that they had planned their city out carefully too.

  Stiles led them along several other streets before he brought them to a stop. “In here.”

  “Hmmmm,” Rialt hummed to himself. “It be a library.”

  Jewel’s head cocked to one side. A library? The priestess lived in a library? Surely not. Perhaps she was simply still doing that research Stiles mentioned before.

  They all dismounted and climbed three short stairs before entering a building. Jewel felt a sense of immense age coming from the building, just judging by the sound of a heavy wooden door opening and the way the air smelled. She identified the scents of old parchment, dust, and leather without trouble. It washed over her with a faint feeling of cool air lingering against her skin.

  “There must be thousands of books here,” she whispered to Rialt.

  “Eh, or more,” he whispered back. “Bookshelves cover the walls, they do, and every inch of floor. It be a wonder people can move in here.”

  That crowded, eh? Jewel made sure to tuck herself into Rialt’s side as she had no wish to topple over a bookshelf or a stack of books. Rialt brought her in even closer still.

  The silence of the library had such a tight rein on the room that even her breathing sounded too loud in her ears. Jewel winced at every loud tread of a footstep on the wooden floorboards. She didn’t know what punishment came along with disturbing this awe-inspiring silence, but it would surely be a weighty one.

  They passed through what must have been a large room, as it took some time to cross it, before another door opened. This time they entered a smaller area, judging by the way the sound bounced quickly to her, a place that had carpet on the floor.

  “Priestess,” Stiles said in a normal tone, “Priestess Jomadd is here.”

  “Oh!” A book quickly shut and then someone stood up in a quick flick of skirts. “I am Alexandra Havenevik,” she said in a soft sing-song voice. “I am pleased to make your acquaintance.”

  Alexandra had a completely different feel to her than the other priestesses. Clari and Chantel, as opposite as they were in personality, still radiated a certain power. They were confident, capable women and they gave a very strong impression of that even at a first meeting. Jewel couldn’t detect such a vibe from Alexandra. She had a quiet manner to her.

  But she had the feeling of Elahandra’s power emanating from her, so Jewel had no doubt that she was capable. Her abilities were apparently just better hidden. So without a qualm, Jewel smiled at her and gave a short bow.

  “I am pleased to meet you as well. I am Jewel Jomadd. With me are my armsmen—Rialt Axheimer, Sarvell Sorpan and Chizeld Lorin. My furry companion is Bortonor.”

  A soft swish of fabric, as if Alexandra had executed a short bow as well. “Gentlemen, you are welcome.”

  “Thank you,” Sarvell answered for the group with easy charm.

  “Please, come this way.”

  Jewel tangled her fingers in Bortonor’s fur as she followed. Alexandra had a very light step, and with the sound of footsteps all around her, she found it challenging to know where the other woman was going. Bortonor had to guide her more than he usually did to compensate.

  They travelled down a short hallway with wooden floors and thick rugs to an enclosed room. Every sound was muffled here. Jewel could feel very thick carpeting underfoot, but even that didn’t explain it. She’d only encountered something like this before in a personal study or a small library.

  “Are you perhaps a librarian?” Sarvell inquired as they all filed into the room.

  The question pleased her, as Alexandra had a smile in her voice as she answered, “My father is. I was studying to be one as well, before the call from Elahandra came. Please, be seated.”

  A librarian, eh? Well, at least she knew how to research. Jewel smiled as a little worry slipped away.

  Rialt’s hand slipped around her back and under her elbow as he guided her to a chair. As she followed his silent cues, he leaned down enough to murmur into her ear, “The lass is a dainty one, built like you, but with a no-nonsense air about her and glasses on her nose.”

  She appreciated the quick update and whispered a quiet thank you.

  Once she sat, Rialt faded into the background, finding a seat behind her before settling into it. Jewel absently tracked the men’s movement and was not surprised when Chizeld also found a seat toward the back of the room and Sarvell sat next to her. Clearly they’d decided that Sarvell could do the talking for all three of them.

  “Alexandra,” Jewel started and then paused, trying to find the right way to phrase this. “I am not sure how much Elahandra told you or how much your research has revealed about a high priestess’s ability.”

  “There is not much written,” Alexandra answered frustratedly. Jewel had wondered if the right books and scrolls were in this library to really provide much information. “When I inquired, Elahandra told me that you would answer all of my questions.”

  Oh joy. Normally Jewel wouldn’t mind this, but having to phrase everything to suit this culture…whether Chizeld liked it or not, he was going to have to help. “We will certainly do so. I must ask this first, however: have you tried to find your charge?”

  “I did go in search of her, and found her,” Alexandra responded but she sounded disgruntled.

  “Er…I take it that she’s in a bad location?” Jewel could only hope that it wasn’t as bad as the Veris crystal’s.

  “A challenging location,” Alexandra corrected with a groan. “You are perhaps aware that we have many water amusements here?”

  As challenging as speaking in this culture could be, the Jordian’s were still excellent hosts. They also had a wide variety of small lakes, rivers, and waterfalls in the area. Because of this, there were many resorts and vacation spots built here. Most of the resorts had s
ome sort of featured water-sport or activity as well. “Yes, I am aware. Is she near one of those?”

  “No, not precisely. They built a water slide around her.”

  Jewel frowned, a feeling of growing unease spreading through her chest. Around?

  “Forgive me, Priestess,” Sarvell interrupted, “but please explain that.”

  “She is standing on the shore of one of the lakes, and the owner of a nearby resort has built a narrow slide that spirals around her.”

  Oh…shards. Jewel felt like finding a hard surface and just banging her head against it. She’d surely have less of a headache that way. They’d built a water slide around the crystal…who in their right mind would do such a thing?!

  “That is…troublesome,” Jewel sighed. “Have you spoken with the owner?”

  “Not yet,” Alexandra admitted. “I did not know if there was a protocol in place for a problem like this.”

  “There is not,” Jewel groaned, rubbing at her temples with both hands. I wish there were.

  “But you have negotiated under similar circumstances before, have you not?”

  “I have,” she was forced to admit. “I will certainly go with you to negotiate her release.” Moving the crystals back in their right place was, after all, her responsibility. “Before we go and do so, I must ask, are your armsmen settled in yet?”

  “Stiles and Trexler? Oh yes, a day ago. Thank you very much for sending them to me. They have already been a great help.”

  So they had managed to track her down that quickly, then? Good. That was another worry off her mind. Although she hoped, for their sakes, that they’d either already been familiar with Jordia’s culture or someone had taken them aside and gave them a crash course on it. If not, she’d sic Sarvell on them. “I am glad to hear it. As it is late in the day, perhaps we can find a place to stay and go to release our crystal-friend in the morning?”

  “That is a fine plan. Come, I can show you to a good host.”

  Oh, so she knew of a good place to stay? Thank the heavens for that. “We appreciate that.”

  “He is on this street.” The words were accompanied by a quick rub of fabric and the slightest creak of wood as Alexandra left her chair. “A short walk will take you there.”