Fire and Gold (Sisters of the North Book 1)

by Mara Amberly

  Cassia wanted to know more and she tired quickly of Brigita and Alexa’s discussion. “What did she say?”

  “They were attacked as well and she said it was the Nemorans, whoever they are. Some sisters escaped, many died and others are captive now. She wants us to go to Kelbani and help get their missing sisters back.”

  Brigita’s expression narrowed in a mild expression of annoyance. “Our sisters!”

  Alexa nodded, “yes, sorry. Our sisters. It sounds like they kidnapped them.”

  “The Nemorans are a group of armed men from the east,” Brigita said, speaking as she remembered the details. “They’re known for their violent ways and the danger they pose to the eastern cities. I’ve heard of them referred to as the Knights or Warriors of the Dusk, but they’re not men knighted by the King. They’re a cult of criminals.”

  Cassia frowned, “murderers. That makes sense given what they’ve done. Why would they take prisoners?”

  Brigita shook her head, but she was reluctant to give voice to her thoughts. They might have found the sisters they captured attractive.

  “I believe it’s our duty to meet with our sisters and lend our aid,” Brigita said. “We’re not safe here and we have to do all we can to save those of us who can be saved. We might be safest lying low, but I don’t think that’s the best option when we could easily be picked off. If we were in their place, we would want someone to help us.” It worries me that some of our sisters might’ve been out and returned to the Temple of Solitude to find the Nemorans waiting, but it’s already dark and there’s nothing to be done about it now.

  “We should tell her yes. That we’ll go to Kelbani and help them if they’re still there,” Cassia stated matter-of-factly. “I just wish we had time to go back into the city first, before we leave.” She bit her lip as if she was chewing over the possibility of something.

  Alexa had a fair idea about what that might be.

  “Sister Brigita,” Cassia asked, “I have friends down in the city who might accompany us to Kelbani if I asked them to.”

  Alexa felt it would be wisest not to reveal Josef’s identity, but she understood Cassia’s concern for leaving Josef too.

  Brigita seemed to sense there was more, or at least something, to Cassia’s story.

  “I don’t think it would be a good idea to place anyone else at risk, even if they’re trustworthy, Cassia. No, let’s go on to Kelbani and leave the city behind us for now,” Brigita said.

  Alexa nodded, knowing it probably wasn’t what Cassia wanted to hear. She looked to Hermea, who until that moment had been keeping silent.

  “I would prefer to return to Kalle but I’ll go with you,” she said.

  Cassia seemed pleased that at least one person had stood up for her idea, even though it seemed to no longer be an option.

  “I’ll speak with Magister Kelcedone again,” Alexa said, taking a deep breath as she decided what to say.

  She closed her eyes, which didn’t make much difference in the dark, except with her ability to focus as she recited the incantation. Now that she’d done it successfully, it was much easier to cast. The words flowed from her lips and she quickly reached the message component of the spell. “Magister Kelcedone, this is Sister Alexa. We will come to join you. Should we come to the city of Nichaea’s home temple?” This was the Temple of Victory in Kelbani, as any Sister of Destiny would know. Nichaea was the goddess of Victory. “Or should we meet you elsewhere?”

  Magister Kelcedone’s response was quicker than Alexa had expected.

  “Come to the city and contact me again when you’re close. We can arrange a place to meet. The kidnapped priestesses are no longer here, but we’ve retaken the temple. Who else is with you and what are their elemental proficiencies?”

  Alexa looked to the others, about to answer Magister Kelcedone’s questions when she realised she had to cast the spell again in order to respond. Tiredness must be catching up with me.

  Alexa cast the spell again and relayed her message. “There is Sister Brigita, Sister Cassia, myself and Trainee Hermea. Sister Brigita is a senior priestess who taught earth magick.” She didn’t mention the students of Brigita’s who might’ve escaped.

  Brigita murmured, “Close enough.”

  Alexa’s expression turned apologetic and she continued: “Sister Cassia’s specialty is fire and mine is air. I don’t know about Trainee Hermea.”

  She heard Hermea say, “a bit of everything,” so repeated her explanation to Magister Kelcedone. “I will let you know when we’re close to reaching Kelbani.”

  Once she had responded, there was another wait for the Magister’s reply.

  Brigita knew they could share a more detailed list of specialties and achievements – for instance, she knew both Cassia and Alexa had mastered their chosen elements, but some sense of caution held her back. As much as she trusted the spell to be private, it seemed wiser not to reveal too much information until they had joined Kelcedone in person.

  Magister Kelcedone’s response was slower this time but she didn’t keep the priestesses waiting too long. “So few,” she said with a sad tone to her voice. “I understand, Sister Alexa. Travel safely and well. Please contact me when you reach the base of the mountain and we can arrange the most appropriate place to meet.”

  Alexa cast the spell again without consulting her fellow sisters.

  “I believe I should be able to do that. Thank you Magister Kelcedone, and best of luck to you all.” Alexa cut the communication, her feelings bittersweet. The news about their fellow sisters was heart-breaking, but she found relief in reaching Magister Kelcedone because it meant they were no longer alone.

  “You’re absolutely sure the Nemoran sorcerers can’t intercept our communications?”

  Sister Brigita answered, “no one should have the ability to do that. There is no safer means of communication, Alexa. I don’t think we need to worry but it might be wise to keep our messages vague all the same.”

  Alexa already knew she would be careful where it was possible to be. Anyone who knew the religion of the Sisters of Destiny would know which temple they meant, but there was nothing that could be done about that now.

  Brigita reasoned out the options, as she watched the other sisters in the darkness.

  There’s only one pass leading into the city of Kelbani, but there are many roads and tracks leading to the mountain itself, from the River Ianthe to the west as far as the Painted Desert in the east. The enemy will think it unlikely we’ll travel so far in either direction, but it raises the level of uncertainty.

  “The simplest and most direct route is the trade road, but it’s the first place they’re likely to look,” Brigita said. “If we get too far away, we might have a hard time finding supplies.”

  “We could buy some horses,” Cassia suggested.

  “With what?” Alexa asked. We’d have to steal them and there are none around here.”

  Brigita considered the options. “We could turn to a noble or an affluent member of the congregation for help. It’s better if we don’t, because we don’t know who we can trust with certainty right now. Horses need food and water, and if we stay off the roads there’s a chance one could break a leg. We would likely be better to take our chances on foot. At least then we’d have the benefit of stealth, though I would prefer we reached Kelbani more quickly.”

  Brigita knew that sooner or later they were likely to cross paths with the enemy. On horseback it was more or less guaranteed. On foot, they had a far greater chance of remaining unseen or blending in.

  “Trade caravans are common enough aren’t they? Maybe we could ride with one,” Hermea suggested.

  “But could we trust them?” Cassia asked aloud.

  Brigita looked no surer than the other priestesses. “Let’s sleep for a few hours then get an early start. If we leave here while it’s still dark, we’re less likely to be seen and by the time the sun is high in the sky, we should be well on our way.”

  The p
rospect of only a few hours’ sleep wasn’t a pleasing one, but if it helped assure their safety then it was a wise decision.

  “I can teach you to use the enchantment along the way,” Alexa suggested. She’d considered doing that next but it seemed a better idea to sleep while they had the chance. Alexa saw the way Cassia looked at her, and knew she was thinking of Josef. Alexa was certain Brigita wouldn’t approve of notifying Josef about their plans, but he was in danger if he was out searching the ruins for Cassia. He could be attacked or worse, and like Cassia, Alexa felt uncomfortable knowing he might be harmed.

  Alexa lay down on her blanket and tried to sleep. She must’ve fallen asleep because Cassia woke her up. Alexa wasn’t sure how long had passed but it couldn’t have been more than fifteen or twenty minutes.

  “Please, will you try sending Josef a message? Do you have to talk aloud to do it?” Cassia asked.

  Alexa put a finger to her lips and nodded. Cassia hesitated for a moment, glancing across the camp to ensure Brigita and Hermea were asleep.

  “Let’s take a walk then,” Cassia suggested. It was the only way they’d have the privacy to carry out the spell without the possibility of being overheard.

  Cassia must’ve taken Alexa’s silence for agreement, because she went on ahead. Alexa got up and followed, quietly stepping over leaves and branches, and following her sister into the woods until they stood beneath a tall oak tree.

  “You don’t have to tell him where we’re going, just that we’re alive and won’t be in the city,” Cassia said.

  “I can do that,” Alexa agreed, “but I’m not sure if he will get the message, and he won’t be able to reply because I presume he’s not a sorcerer and doesn’t know the spell?”

  Cassia acknowledged this with a nod. She looked disappointed but accepting of the fact.

  Alexa thought about it as she made sure they were alone in the dark. There was no sign of anyone else. “I should be able to tell whether I’m connecting with him. If I am, then I’ll take that to mean he’s conscious. I may even be able to determine his emotional response if he understands me.”

  Cassia looked upset but hopeful. “Alright, just tell him I’m still alive and leaving, and not to look for me in the city.”

  Alexa agreed, “I’ll do that.” She kept her voice down so as not to wake Brigita or Hermea, and she cast the spell, much as she had before when contacting Magister Kelcedone.

  Alexa smiled at Cassia when she connected with Josef’s mind, then gave her a nod. Even in the darkness, Alexa could tell that Cassia was feeling emotional and relieved.

  “Josef, this is Sister Alexa. We met today. You should know that Cassia is safe and well, and we will no longer be in the city. She says not to look for her there. Stay safe. We will send further messages when we can.”

  Alexa waited for around a minute before she cut the connection, sensing what she could.

  “I can’t tell with certainty whether he heard it, but I’m fairly sure he did. I’m sure I sensed an emotional reaction from when I told him you were still alive.”

  Cassia and Alexa crept back to the camp. Sister Brigita was sitting up awake when they got back.

  “Is everything alright?” she asked the two sisters and both nodded.

  “It’s fine. We should get some sleep, though,” Cassia said.

  Alexa shrugged her shoulders. “I feel a bit uneasy. I think I might sit up for a while and keep watch.”

  Brigita lay back down. “You may regret that decision later.”

  Alexa nodded, “I probably will, but I don’t feel safe here. I’ll rest when I feel better or when we’re away from the city.”

  Brigita rubbed her tired, puffy eyes. “We’ll need to cover what ground we can.”

  Alexa sat down on her blanket, feeling much more emotional than she had before. She wasn’t sure why, but she assumed it was thoughts of the temple and people they knew out there searching through the ruins. Alexa didn’t know if that was even happening! As she breathed, Alexa listened to the subtle sounds of the forest, her eyes fully adjusted to the darkness now. She could hear the rustling of branches as trees lightly swayed in the wind and the flutter of wings from a bird overhead. She couldn’t help imagining cultists out there in the darkness, searching for them or standing watch on roads they might take. They’re likely ransacking the city right now, throwing open doors and questioning people who might have sheltered us. I hope no one else is killed or hurt. So many already have been. Thinking about her sisters at all made her heart ache. It was the deepest pain she’d ever known.

  Some may still be hiding out in the city. I could use the spell to try and reach the ones we didn’t see, like the Arch-Magister. I might be able to tell if anyone is alive that way. Alexa decided that in spare moments, she would try. The priestess could already tell this was going to be a long journey, and she had no idea what to expect of the future other than a lot of walking and the threat of danger.

  CHAPTER EIGHT

  A broken dish clattered on the ground, joining the pile of litter in the grimy alley. A small figure crouched, rummaging through an upturned backpack for food, clothes or anything of value. Like the bag itself, the contents were ripped or dirty. It contained an old jacket, some rotten bread wrapped in paper and something metal. Holding the metal object up in the cloud-dimmed light, the teenage boy realised it was a knife. Not the type usually worn as a weapon, but a paring knife with a dull blade for peeling fruit or vegetables. He decided to keep it, so tucked it into his bag.

  He was around sixteen and had a scruffy look about him from living on the streets. His hair was long now at about shoulder length; a sandy brown that was lighter than that of many desert-dwellers. His eyes were a warm brown. He had grown facial hair but didn’t like it, so he’d shaved it off. Most often he used the long-handled knife for that purpose that he wore at his hip.

  The backpack and its other remnants were left on the ground, as he stealthily moved away as quickly as possible. There was no sign of the bag’s original owner, but it looked like it had been there for a long time. The streets were unnaturally quiet. There were few townsfolk in this place; almost all were gone. He didn’t know what had happened to them, but he could guess. The people who lived here – mainly kids – usually kept a low profile during the day and came out at night. There were plenty of empty houses in the town to choose from. Some buildings showed signs of fire damage or had collapsed with age, but many were intact, though starting to show signs of decline.

  There was a reason the residents kept a low profile, and that was because they were not alone in this town. Small contingents of soldiers patrolled the town’s streets on a regular basis, and anyone found in the open was arrested and taken away. If the people returned, he had never seen it happen, so he didn’t hold out much hope for them. He used the name Jonas, but it wasn’t his real name, and he had no family here.

  Jonas had travelled through the desert from his home after he was exiled. His original home was not the Haledor that most people knew. The home of his people was more secret than that, located underground; not that it mattered much to him, now that he’d been cast out. He tried not to think about the past, but everything he did was shaped by it, even his presence in Feidhlim. Built over ancient ruins, little now remained of the town’s former splendour. There were a few archways in the centre of town, eroded by the weather, and carved statues defaced long ago. There were still a few standing stones, but most had been used in the construction of the former Governor’s residence.

  Jonas carefully moved into the next street, looking cautiously in both directions. There was no sign of anybody else, but the soldiers had ambushed townsfolk before. He didn’t feel safe in the open, so he moved as quickly and stealthily as he could. It wasn’t the time to make mistakes. Jonas was fairly sure he was alone when he unexpectedly heard the scuff of boots nearby. He was prepared should this happen, and was ready to run at the merest provocation. Jonas saw a flash of movement behind him and took off li
ke a shot. He ran – down the main street, into an alley between two houses and then under the edge of the next house, which sat on low stilts off the ground. There was a dried up river bed nearby with little more than a trickle of water and an overgrowth of weeds.

  Jonas held his breath and at first he heard nothing; it was silent out there. However, that silence didn’t last. A lone figure walked confidently and quietly down the alley. The footsteps kept going, much to Jonas’s relief, but stopped at the next house over from where Jonas was hiding. He stayed crouched in the shadows, aware of all that was going on around him. It was filthy under the house and it stank of mould. The person turned and walked back toward him, but he didn’t know who they were. Jonas considered climbing out from under the house and taking his chances back on the road – after all, if he waited they and others might converge on his position, but he didn’t want to make it obvious that he was hiding there.

  Jonas was getting worried. There wasn’t a clear way out under the back of the house, because it was too low to the ground. He could get out under the sides or front of the house. He lightly grasped the handle of his long-handled dagger, though he didn’t draw it. It was a more efficient weapon than the one he’d found earlier. Jonas saw the figure step forward, and they knelt down to look under the house beside his.

  “I know what you’re looking for. Come out boy, we need to talk.”

  He didn’t recognise the face, but it belonged to a man, not a boy. He looked old, with grey hair that hung loose and scraggly, and he was thin. The soldiers were usually more well-built than that, but he might still be one. Jonas wasn’t in such a hurry as to risk being captured and quite likely killed. No, I don’t think so. He waited until the man moved, then he scrambled along under the house until he reached the other side. When he saw the way was clear, he climbed out and ran away.

  Jonas made it back to the house where he’d been staying a short time later, but he was careful to take a circuitous route so he couldn’t be easily followed. It was one of the simpler but more upmarket houses, which had been in the town’s market district. Its two rooms felt large, at least to a teenager staying there by himself. If the man he’d met knew who he was, then maybe it was time to move on. He’d been in Feidhlim for weeks now and he hadn’t found what he was looking for. Jonas was fairly sure he knew why that was, too. The largest building, or rather cluster of buildings, in town was where the soldiers stayed, and it was well-guarded. They’d even built a wall around it, and he’d only been daring enough to look in a few times from adjacent buildings.