by T. C. Edge
"You still believe that?" I question. "I thought you were only saying that to make me commit to the trials?"
"Of course I believe it. What other choice do you have now? To return to Pine Lake." He huffs, shaking his head. "No, I feel you'd be rather, how shall I say, dissatisfied going back there. Unless, of course, you wish to be treated as a goddess by the local population?"
He begins walking down the stairs again, nudging Hestia and causing her to turn around. I follow his step, the three of us moving down towards the heaving crowds.
"Not particularly," I say eventually. "But..."
"Yes, there's Jude, and Alberta. But is that enough? Do you want to live as your grandmother has, away in solitude, hiding what she truly is? Would you want to subject Jude to such a life?"
My answer is non-verbal. He doesn't even need to read my mind to know that going back home doesn't have the same appeal as it once did.
"Here is where you belong," he goes on after a time, voice a whisper. "Lilly is here with you. Don't you want to be near her? Don't you want to be near...them?"
He turns, eyes glancing back up the stairs. Mine follow, and even through the cloud, I get a sense of that unnatural radiance beyond, feel the strange lure that hovers up there at the top, and centre, of the city. They are like a beacon, their strange power flowing down into the city from all sides, radiating out like ripples on a pond.
The thought of leaving it, of not feeling that warmth inside me...frightens me more than it should.
"What do you think, Hestia?" The Overseer turns to the fearsome Fire-Blood, face beginning to re-contort into its usual shape and losing that child-like cloak of wonder. "Do you think Amber should remain in the city?"
She looks over at me, seeming to consider things a moment. Then she begins to nod, her voice crawling out with a croak.
"I guess so," she grunts begrudgingly. "Someone with that level of power shouldn't be mingling with Fringe rats."
I smile ironically at that. "Not long ago, I was the Fringe rat," I say. "But thanks for the compliment."
She rolls her eyes, though not in the same sort of frosty way as before. "Don't get used to it," she says. "At least I don't have to spent time with you anymore. And...you're not the Chosen, so I don't hate you quite so much."
"You see, I knew you had some sweetness inside you," I grin, noting the slightly amused curve to the Overseer's mouth as he observes the exchange. "It must make you terribly uncomfortable not being a complete..."
"Now now, no cursing on the Sacred Stairs, Amber," cuts in the Overseer.
"I wasn't going to..."
"Yes you were," he says, looking right at me. "It doesn't take a telepath to know that."
I turn away, hiding my smile, and continue on down the steps. Scanning the heaving masses, it's not hard to spot the mountainous form of Krun there at the bottom, standing beside Marlow, bald head shining under the sunshine. I can only guess how disappointed Marlow must be right now. Krun, not so much.
"Now, expect some attention when you reach the bottom of the steps," the Overseer continues. Along with Marlow and Krun, it's fairly obvious that a large number of people are watching us from below, awaiting our arrival. "Not many Children get to meet the Prime face to face, so you may face questions."
Hestia doesn't look particularly enthused by the prospect. She seems more of a 'keeps herself to herself' sort of woman.
"I'm used to it," I say. "Not too sure I could describe that experience, though. It was...surreal."
Hestia nods slowly, expression softening once more.
"Well, just be aware. You don't need to say anything if you don't wish. The youngsters will be particularly interested, of course, but that interest will begin to die down soon enough. Either way, you have both ascended in station, and have joined a select group within this city. That is something to be most proud of."
His words don't deliver any such sensation. No, instead it is a dull ache that throbs through me once again, starting at my core and spreading out to my limbs. I have to fight the urge to turn and look back up the steps, knowing the way is now shut. I wonder how others feel when making this sacred journey, how long this period of strange suffering lasts. Do they ever try to climb the steps again, get past the hulking guards below and try to get another glimpse of the Prime. I can't imagine, with the gifted men and women above, that such a thing would end well.
Would it be worth it? Worth the risk for that final glimpse?
"Both of you will be given accommodations to fit your rank," the Overseer goes on, voice snatching back my attention once again, drawing my wandering mind back to its path. "We have lovely apartments nearby..."
"I don't want it," Hestia grunts. The Overseer looks over to her with a knowing smile. "I'm a soldier. I don't belong in some fancy apartment."
"I thought you'd say that," the Overseer says. "That is, of course, your right."
"Good," says Hestia. "Because I've lived in a dorm-chamber with her for a week, and don't want to live anywhere near her again."
"Ah, and here was me thinking we were starting to get along," I say, inserting a heavy dose of sarcasm into my words. "You don't want to be girlfriends with me? You know, talk about boys and do each other's hair?"
"I'd sooner kill myself," grunts Hestia.
I smile, her words a Prime-send. "You know, that can be arranged." I allow my ceremonial Fire-Blood robes to flare, my control complete. Hestia responds with a slight brightening of her own, though not enough to cause anything more than mild discomfort for the Overseer, standing between us.
"Children," he says, with the firm assurance of a father reprimanding his bickering daughters. "Calm yourselves and your words. We are upon the Sacred Stair. This is entirely inappropriate."
"Right," I say, cooling my body and robes. "No swearing, no fighting. Got it."
The Overseer nods, then looks to Hestia, whose own cloak fades to a darker shade of crimson.
"Excellent. Now, shall we greet your adoring public?" the Overseer says.
Hestia drops her head at the prospect. I do something similar, my eyes finding the only known friend in the crowd - Marlow.
"Um, a question," I say as we continue down.
"Of course."
"Will Marlow continue as my personal High Worthy?" The question rolls too easily off my tongue. I've become both accustomed to his presence and his service. Only days ago, that thought would have been worrying. Now, I take it in my stride.
"Well, that will be up to you. If you should wish it, it shall be so."
"I...I guess I'll ask him," I say, trying not to sound too eager or, frankly, too obnoxious to consider it a done deal. Which, I know for certain, it is.
"I think you should. Marlow is a fine High Worthy, and will be useful in continuing your assimilation into our way of life. I'm sure he'll be delighted to continue in your service."
We find out a few minutes later, the crowd separating into distinct figures as we make our way towards the bottom of the steps. There, the gargantuan Titans that guard the way up step aside, hauling their mighty spears from our path and letting us through. Beyond them, another such figure looms tall - Krun, with the comparatively diminutive Marlow at his side.
I draw a breath, trying to focus as the people swarm about in celebration of the occasion, many eager to get a good look at the two latest Children to have met their Mother and Father for the first - and, depressingly, only - time. As before, I find it difficult to meet specific sets of eyes, half frightened of what I'll see. When I do lift my gaze, I find interest and curiosity in greater measure than the detest and resentment that once dominated the eyes of those around me. A few such people remain, yes, but they appear to be in the minority now, and not the majority. At least, that's the case within the immediate vicinity.
The people, of course, are respectful in their behaviour. They don't rush or crowd, but merely gather politely, many smiling at the two of us as we make our way forward. Anything too boisterous, I imagin
e, is considered unbecoming here in Olympus.
I hear, amid the swell of voices in conversation, my name being spoken. And with it, the first questions begin to come from the more enthusiastic, keen to learn, with it being so fresh, what our experience was like up there at the summit of the city.
They fade into the blur of noise, however, and I don't manage an answer. Instead, I focus on Marlow, ushered forward under the great figure of Krun, acting unlikely bodyguard to the High Worthy, so low in rank among those around him.
His eyes show his heartfelt disappointment as he presses forward. He bows respectfully, and his voice finds its way to my ears through the crowd.
"I am so terribly sorry, Lady Amber," he says. "I only wish I could have helped prepare you better. Then perhaps you might have..."
"You did everything you could and more," I assure him. "But...how would you like to continue guiding me?"
"I..." He all buts snaps his back, such is the force of his bow. "Nothing would make me more happy or more proud," he says.
I grin up at the Overseer.
"Well, that's settled then," he says. "High Worthy Marlow, please escort Lady Amber to her new quarters. I shall arrange for her to visit with her sister and Lady Felina tomorrow afternoon. I trust that you'll be on hand to make the necessary logistical preparations?"
"Of course, Master Overseer," says Marlow with a military sharpness to his words. "I shall get to it immediately."
"See that you do. Now," his eyes take in the scene around him, "I imagine that Amber has had enough excitement for one day. Captain Krun, clear a path, and make sure she isn't hassled by anyone."
"Yes, Master Overseer," booms the mighty Titan, bowing. Then he turns, narrowing his eyes as he plots a course across the square.
"What about Hestia?" I find myself asking. Not out of concern, of course, just curiosity. My eyes work up and, to no real surprise, discover that she's already gone. I can just about make out the direction of her movement by the path she's opened up as she stamps away, bodies turning to watch her go. "Ah..."
"Yes, Hestia is a special kind of anti-social," muses the Overseer. "I feel sorry for anyone who pushes her for answers."
So do I.
"Well, I think she's got the right idea," I say, glancing around at the colours, the bodies, the blend of faces, young and old. It's all quite overwhelming, and the last thing I need right now.
No, I desire space, and time alone. Time to think, and dwell. Time to dream, perhaps, and revisit that great summit, see once more those...divine beings.
Only in sleep, now, will I see them.
A numbness engulfs me again, and the noise around me forms into an indistinct blur.
"Take her home," I just about hear the Overseer say, his voice clear enough to splice through the din. I look up at him, thankful.
And with a final smile on his face, I set off under the great wing of Krun, Marlow by my side, towards my new home.
3
My accommodation is magnificent.
I hardly notice.
Set near the square at the bottom of the Sacred Stairs, the grand stone building rises higher than the rest around it. The view from my window - well, every window, because I have dozens of them - is spectacular. The city stretches out in several directions, the balcony within the main bedroom giving a particularly panoramic view.
It takes the best part of fifteen minutes for Marlow to give me the full tour, doing so with his usual energy and enthusiasm. Krun follows, choosing, unsurprisingly, to stick to the doorway with most rooms I'm shown. It's a habit I once found amusing. Now, it comes off as almost endearing.
And yes, those doorframes and entrances are large enough for the Titan to stand comfortably. Above all else, that explains just how grand the place is.
But still, I take little in. My eyes wash over the place, impressed but hardly excited. Much as Marlow tries to infuse me with some joy at being given such a place to live, I just can't muster it. Inside, I feel oddly hollow, as if something's been taken away from me, some piece of my puzzle being denied.
"You must be tired, Lady Amber," Marlow says, finally beginning to realise that he won't excite me, no matter how hard he tries. "Would you like for me to leave?"
I find my head shaking slowly as we stand there on the balcony of the main bedroom. Around me, the city stretches away, to the left and right, sloping gradually from the hill in its centre. The Hill of Olympus. The home of the Prime.
I stare up into the clouds, broken.
"Lady Amber?" Marlow prompts.
I rip my eyes away. "Stay," I murmur, turning to him. "I...I saw a smaller bedroom on the other side of the apartment. Could that be your room?"
The question seems to come as some surprise. "There are several bedchambers here, my Lady. None are intended for a High Worthy."
"I don't care about that," I say. "This place is far too big for me alone. I'd prefer to have you around, not in some other quarters miles away."
"Well I..."
"You'll do it," I order. My eyes switch to Krun, off at the entrance to the bedchamber. "That's all right, isn't it Captain?"
His great chin dips. "It's...unusual," he tells me, "but not unheard of. It's your right to have your attendants on site if you desire it, rather than in their communal accommodation nearby."
"Attendants?" I say. "I'm supposed to get more?"
"Again, if you wish it," Krun rumbles. "Ladies especially like to have female Worthies attending their specific, um, beauty needs. Your sister is one, far as I know. It's a common duty among young female Worthies."
"Yes, it certainly is," adds Marlow. "I can arrange a selection for you to choose from, if you wish. Your new station will give you pick of the bunch, Lady Amber. You can have several if you desire it..."
"Or none," I say, feeling slightly awkward at the conversation. "I'll think about it."
"I'm sure your sister could even join you here," Marlow goes on. "Didn't the Overseer suggest such a thing might be possible?"
I nod, and turn back to the city. "I'm not sure I want that," I whisper. "At least...not yet."
A short silence follows. I hear Krun's heavy frame slipping off from the doorway and beginning his journey back towards the main exit to the apartment. Marlow remains, awaiting his final instructions.
Eventually, I turn back to look at him.
"I'd like some space," I say. "Like you said. I'm...tired."
He reacts immediately, bowing and slipping quickly towards the door. He stops there, turning to face me. "If you need anything, my Lady, just let me know. I'll make the arrangement for you to visit your sister immediately."
I confirm by way of a nod, and he leaves me to myself, shutting the heavy wooden door quickly behind him.
Alone. Finally alone, I turn back and gaze out upon the city once again. It remains in celebration, a general din in the air, the streets and squares filled with colour and movement. I wonder how often such an occasion takes place, when a new Chosen ascends. It must be a rare thing indeed, seeing as their number is so small. And in Elian, I feel, the city have a new young man to be proud of, to lift up onto the highest of pedestals. He was the one they wanted. And he was the one they got.
I slouch there on the balcony for a while, just staring out from my high vantage. My eyes ever cling to the clouds that surround the hill, the steps concealed less than halfway up, only an occasional shadow of the summit coming into view. My heart races, leaping to attention every time a reveal is threatened, before dulling again to a mournful beat when the clouds swarm, hiding the joys within.
I lose track of time as I stand there, elbows on the stone balcony, staring gormlessly up in the hope of catching some brief glimpse of the hilltop. Only when the door knocks do I come to, Marlow stepping in once again to inform me that all arrangements have been made, and I'll be able to visit Lilly tomorrow.
I nod absently, and turn back. Further hours pass before the light starts to fade in the bright blue sky, the sun drift
ing off, the daylight dimming. My elbows and lower back ache when I finally uproot myself, stiffening in that pose that I realise I've held for hours. I move for the large, four-poster bed, and settle down upon the soft bedding. I make sure to keep the curtains open, letting the moonlight shine in, keeping my view of the hilltop visible.
It remains only as a silhouette under the moonlight, indistinct, still cloaked in cloud. But it's there, and that's enough. I lie, staring at it, and drift off to sleep praying for my dreams to return me there. For my mind to retrace my steps, bring me back to the summit, to the temple, to the presence of the Prime.
I wake regularly, drawn from my dreams and back to reality. Each time, I feel that dull throb of disappointment settle inside me as I see the silhouette of the mountain outside the window. I shut my eyes again, try to return. My mind fills with that wondrous euphoria I felt in the Prime's presence, before being doused as they spoke Elian's name.
It is a recurring dream, a recurring nightmare. Reliving the moment that Elian defeated me.
Reliving the moment I failed.
And when dawn finally comes, I rise, exhausted. Today, I shall see my sister once again. See, hopefully, that she is happy. That her own dreams have been met, her own ambitions achieved.
I should feel such joy at the prospect of seeing her. I should feel some nerves at the same. Yet as I leave that morning to make my way across the city, I feel only a gnawing numbness.
It's as though I have tasted the sweetest fruit, and drunk the purest water. And now nothing, from this point on, will ever be as sweet or pure again.
4
"OK Lady Amber, this is the place right ahead," says Marlow, our carriage rattling quietly down a gentle cobblestone road.
We begin to slow, pulling into a courtyard surrounded by balconies on all sides. Little gardens mark the pathways into the buildings around us, vines and flowers climbing up the stone facades, setting a sweetness to the air.
