Mara clutched the scroll tube. “We’ve found our thread.”
“We must take the scroll to Liara.
She nodded. “Once we’ve set this place in order, we’ll leave. Do you think we can learn where Tomon has gone?”
Lajin shrugged. “He and my aunt must be on their way to Pala to find the hidden wizards.”
“How can we be sure? I think as we travel, we should ask if anyone has seen them.
Chapter 5
The Red Jewel
Seven Jewels and seven threads. Find them, twine them and bind them into a braid to discover how to unlock the secret of the Jewels. What was pale becomes dark and dark changes to light. Sometimes destruction is the path to end a cycle of tyranny. To the Red is given the power to heal the sick and injured. Two can heal and two can harm. Travel where two have been once before and go beyond. Find the thread and learn something with the power to force a change. Walk around the circle but do not join the dancers.
Jindera rode the cart with the most seriously injured men. When the crystal roof of the wizards’ stronghold had shattered during the attempt, many of the men had been slashed by the shower of shards. Others had been injured during the battle with Nalor’s men. Not only were there wizards and Queen’s Guards among the wounded, but several of Nalor’s men had injuries. There were also those men who had been mind-blasted. Liara had decided all should be moved to the Healer’s House in Desert’s Edge.
Jindera sighed. She had managed to help the men with physical problems, but she had failed with most of the mind-blasted. Their memories were gone. Starflower blossom tea had helped many, but not all. Her twin’s friend, Audin, still suffered.
A man groaned. She moved to check him. He was one of the wizards. “Gone,” he mumbled.
She nodded. “The stronghold was destroyed. The White Jewel rules. You’re on your way to Desert’s Edge.”
He shook his head. “Not the stronghold. My talent has vanished.”
Jindera put her hand on his arm. “Perhaps you lost it as a punishment for your deeds.”
“I never used my talent for ill. I had a knack for caring for the animals. I wasn’t one of those who created dire wolves and fanged apes.”
“Perhaps your skills will return. When your wounds heal enough for you to travel, seek the Queen in Pala.”
He closed his eyes. “I will.”
At dusk, the carts halted and a rude camp was made. The injured remained in the wagons. Jindera thought about the number of dead who had been buried in a common grave. One of them had been the grandsire she hadn’t known. When she thought about the plans he’d had for her, she shuddered.
Jindera paused by the fire and checked the kettle of starflower tea and the mixture for the dressings. Corin lifted the kettles from the fire. While the wound poultice cooled, she and Corin poured the tea for the mind-blasted. With the help of the drivers, they fed their passengers. Jindera and Corin changed the dressings of the wounded men. She was pleased at how well the injuries had healed and there was no need for her to use the Red Jewel.
She sat beside Corin and ate a bowl of stew. “I’ll be glad to reach Desert’s Edge and let the healers take over the care of these men.”
Corin met her gaze. “Do thee think any of the women there belong to the Inner Circle?”
“I don’t know and I doubt they’ll tell us.” She sighed. “I fear we’ll have to find them if we want to find our thread.”
“Thee could be right.” He patted her knee. “Worrying about what may be only wastes energy. We’ll know more tomorrow. Right now, we need to sleep.”
Jindera yawned. “Shouldn’t we share the watch?”
“The drivers said they will.”
In the morning after a quick meal, the caravan of carts continued toward Desert’s Edge. At midday, they reached the village. Jindera gasped. “Look at the Healer’s House.”
Corin halted his horned horse beside the wagon and spoke to the driver. “The Holder and I will seek the village hall. That’s where the sick are taken when there are no healers.”
Jindera nodded. “He’s right. I once helped care for people who had been burned in such a place.” She rode beside him.
Corin grinned sheepishly. “We parted there. I regret that my greed led me to desert thee.”
“But thee found me when I needed help. If thee had stayed we both could have become prisoners of the wizards.”
When they reached the hall, a woman stepped out. “Cots are inside. Those who can care for themselves have been moved into rooms with village families.”
Corin turned to Jindera. “Once the men are inside, our job is done.” He looked at the healer. “Have any of the Holders remained?”
“The last one left with her Chosen several days ago.”
Jindera slid from her horse. “Did they leave a message? The Chosen was my brother.”
“The innkeeper would know.”
As soon as the seven wounded and the nine mind-blasted men were inside the village hall, Jindera and Corin sought the innkeeper. She left her horse in the courtyard and entered the common room.
The innkeeper bustled over. “Greetings.”
“Did my brother leave a message for me?”
He shook his head. “The Green Holder and her Chosen spent the night. They asked questions about two young men who had stayed with the healers. Then they bought supplies and left.”
“Any idea where they went?” Corin asked.
“Not exactly. Then talked about the fire and which direction the ones they sought might have taken. They rode off toward the wizards’ place.”
Jindera’s shoulders slumped. She had wanted to travel with Lajin and Mara, but the needs of the injured had come first. Her twin could be anywhere. She turned to Corin. “We must speak to the healers.”
“About?”
“The Inner Circle. We must know where they meet. I think they have something to do with our prophecy.”
“Do you think those women will tell thee?”
“I don’t know. Not all healers belong to that group. Perhaps there are only a few who oppose us.”
He nodded. “I agree with thee about the membership. Before we do anything, we need to settle in our room and I must see to my cart. I’m not leaving it here.”
* * *
As they left the common room, Corin watched Jindera’s expression change. He also wished Lajin and Mara had waited. Since his first meeting with the Red Holder, he’d seen how important finding her brother had been. Now they were separated again. He caught her hand. “Let us take the horses to the stable and see about my cart.”
She nodded. “Then we need to discuss the quest and plan how we can find our thread. I believe the healers can help us. They’re different from what my mother said.”
He turned her to face him. “Thy mother based her opinions on her sister and the group of plotters thy aunt joined. I think when she met thy father and left the Healers’ House, she was glad since she couldn’t be forced to join the Inner Circle.”
“She loved my father.” Jindera sighed. “Until she was dying, I didn’t know she had sisters.”
Corin freed his horse and Jindera’s. He gathered the reins and walked around the side of the building. “My mother felt the same about the wizards. Yet I found some of the men we tended weren’t evil. They were men with talents who had been forced to join the wizards.”
“And they had little choice in how their talents were used. The Master Wizards made all the decisions.”
Corin’s hand tightened around hers. “My father was a wizard. My mother escaped and hid. I always hoped he helped her. Unless we encounter him, I’ll never know the truth.”
“Does it matter who thy father was or what he did? Thee have made thy own fortune. Plus thee now know how to use thy talent to help others.”
As they paused near the stables, one of the healers called out. “Holder, the young man you said was a friend has roused. He asked for you.”
“Corin,
I must speak to him.” Jindera ran down the street.
Corin handed the reins of the horses to a stable boy. “I’ll be back.” He ran after Jindera. Though he was her Chosen, he couldn’t stop a flare of jealousy from slamming into his thoughts. Maybe she wished she’d chosen this Audin. After all, he wasn’t a stranger.
She sat on the cot beside the young man. “How do you feel?”
The youth frowned. “Like I’ve just awakened and found myself still in the middle of a dream. What are you doing here? Where is this place?”
“The village hall in Desert’s Edge. You were a prisoner in the wizard’s stronghold. When the Queen and Holders destroyed the lair, you were rescued.”
His brow furrowed. “How did I get there?”
“The wizards took you from the village. You had a talent for tending animals. They also took Beder and Lajin. Do you remember anything of that time?”
“No.” He turned to Corin. “Were you one of the prisoners? Were you a wizard?”
Corin grimaced. “Neither. I’m a peddler and Chosen of the Red Holder. I hope you can soon regain all your memories. Think about the village.”
Audin’s eyes widened. “Yes. They came. I tried to hide but they found me. We went to the Garden for Lajin. Beder set a house on fire. The wizards hurt Lajin. Then we left. In another village, Beder set another fire. Then we traveled through the forest to a castle. They gave me a drink and my memories vanished.”
“Will you go home?” Jindera asked.
“Where else would I go? My mother and sisters need my help to provide for them.” He bowed his head. “What happened to Beder and Lajin?”
“Lajin escaped and helped destroy the stronghold. He’s the Chosen of the Green Holder.” She revealed her gem. “I hold the Red.”
“Oh.” He looked at Corin. “I see. Where is Beder?” Anxiety edged his voice.
“Lajin searches for him.”
“Good. He’s evil like the wizards.”
Jindera rose. “He’s out of control. He set fire to the Healers’ House and was seen in company with another who thirsts for power.”
“Two of a kind.” Audin shuddered. “Beder always hated anyone who wouldn’t give him what he demanded. Do you think he went back to the village?”
“Maybe.”
“Then I must go.”
“Not tonight,” she said. “You’ve just recovered.
Audin slumped on the bed. “I’ll go tomorrow then.”
Corin pulled Jindera aside. “I must see about my wagon and arrange a room at the inn for us.”
“Find one for Audin, too. He can ride part of the way with us.”
“I will. What will thee do now?”
“Talk to the healers. If I learn nothing, I might walk to their house.”
“I’ll meet you there.” Corin waved to Audin. “When you’re ready, walk to the inn. There’ll be a room for you.” He strode down the street to the inn.
The innkeeper met him at the door. “Peddler, finally come for your cart?”
Corin nodded. “I’ve a horse to trade for ponies to pull the wagon. Have you a pair?” He regretted the loss of the two he’d had since the day he began his journeyman’s trek.
The innkeeper chuckled. “Indeed I do, and you should know them. A lunar ago, they wandered into town. Knew they were yours so I put them up.”
“Then I owe you for their care.”
The man nodded. “I used some of your spices for keeping the cart.” He led the way through the kitchen to the back courtyard.
“Then the horse for their care plus room and board.” The aroma of the cooking meat made Corin realize how hungry he was, but business came first. The gleam in the innkeeper’s eyes made Corin grin. “Make the room and board for three, evening and morning meal, the baths and some of the supplies we’ll need for our journey. Do we have a bargain?”
“What about your companion’s horse?”
Corin whistled. The dappled ponies came to the fence. A shaggy brown one followed. “Her steed isn’t mine to sell.”
“Would she consider trading for the third pony and enough supplies to last for a lunar? I have a pair of laying bantas I could spare.”
“I’ll talk to her.”
The innkeeper clapped a hand on Corin’s shoulder. “Tell her I’ll add enough prepared food for two full days on the road.”
Corin remembered Jindera’s wish to take Audin part of the way with them. Audin could have the pony and perhaps take a silk sheep instead of the horse he should receive. “I’ll tell her the offer is for three and a pair of young silk sheep for the steed belonging to the third member of our party.”
“Good enough.”
“What supplies do you offer?”
The older man closed his eyes. “The hens, the sheep, grain for the animals, a barrel of cider, dried foods, cheese, flour and three flagons of tragon from the new shipment I just received.”
“And honey.”
“Deal.” Corin clasped the man’s hand. “I’ll see if Jindera agrees.”
After the innkeeper left, Corin harnessed the ponies to the cart so they could pull it into the yard. He released the pair and turned them into the grazing lot. He opened the sides of the wagon and inspected the contents. He left the sleeping side open to air. Then he walked to the Healers’ House.
When he reached the roofless building, he entered the garden and called for Jindera. She appeared in the doorway. “Come and help me. Part of an upstairs room has crumbled. There’s a box inside and I need to see what it holds.”
He trampled over bits of debris and cautiously climbed the stairs. He studied the wall. “Step back and let me pull more of the wall free.”
“Be careful. Thee don’t want to bring the ceiling on our heads.”
“Thee have that right.” With care and patience, he used his knife to chip away small pieces of wood and plaster. Finally he pulled the box out. “Do thee think this is our thread?”
She shook her head. “I think the Inner Circle plays a role. The eldest healer said the box contained a map to the place where they meet.”
“We’ll take the box to the inn. I’ve traded my horse for rooms, baths and meals for us and your friend. If thee care to trade thy horse and Audin wishes to give his away, this is what we will receive.” He listed the items.
“I think Audin should receive more for his than the two sheep. His family is very poor.”
“So thee will trade thy horse.”
She nodded. “What need have I for a horse when we plan to ride in the wagon?”
Corin tucked the box under his arm. “Thee go first.” He waited until she reached the ground floor before starting down.
“Should we store the supplies?” she asked.
Corin looked at the sky and saw the sun had moved to the west. “Aren’t thee starved? I am.”
She grinned. “I could eat, but I want a bath and clean clothes and a look at the map first. The oldest healer said she used to be part of the Inner Circle, but she left. She said she was glad because Makia’s spirit reeked of evil. There are only four or five members left and they’re old. She also said they had an artifact that years ago they had stolen from the wizards. This mold belonged to the days when the Holders first bonded with the Jewels.”
Corin led her toward the inn. “Let’s stop at the village hall for thy friend.”
“What about the map and this artifact?”
He shrugged. “We’ll see where we’re led. My peddler’s wagon is perfect for the venture.”
* * *
The next morning when Jindera reached the common room, Corin and Audin waited at a table for her. They ate a hearty breakfast and packed the supplies the innkeeper gave them. Before leaving the village, they stopped to check on those who had been injured at the wizards stronghold. There was no need for Jindera to use the Red Jewel so they returned to the wagon.
The small silk sheep were bedded atop the wagon. Audin laughed. “We’ll make quite the caravan.”
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br /> “Will you be able to take them up with you when we part ways?”
“Sure. I can figure a way to herd them with the pony. Are you sure I can have it?”
“Yes.”
“But I can’t pay you.”
“We know that,” Corin said. “There’s no need. The Holders agreed that each man who had been injured would be granted clothes, coins and a horse. The pony and the sheep are equivalent to a horse.” He tossed a pouch of coins to Audin.
Jindera nodded. “He’s right. A pony will be of more use to you than a horse. Travel with us to the next village. Then go home. I’ll give you a note for the elders giving you and your family leave to tend the Garden until Lajin or I return.”
“Aren’t you afraid my mother will claim the land?”
Corin laughed. “Not a good idea since Jindera holds the Red and Lajin is the Chosen of the Green.”
Audin nodded. “I see. What if you don’t return?”
“Then you’ll gain expertise in tending the Garden,” Jindera said. “I’m sure the healers will come for their share but I doubt they’ll send a gardener. You and your family will have any coins earned from the sale of my family’s third share.”
Corin snapped the reins and set the ponies moving. “Only if you give me an exclusive to that share for the next three years.”
“Done,” Audin said. “You have my thanks. I wonder how my mother and sisters survived while I was gone.” He prodded the pony and rode beside the wagon.
Jindera had no desire to speculate, especially if Beder had gone to the village. She had heard that Beder had wanted Audin’s oldest sister. Also, Audin’s family was poor. Her mother had often given them food.
That night, they camped not far from the trail leading to the wizards’ lair. Late the next afternoon, they reached the village where Corin had left to seek the new kind of sheep silk.
Discovering the Jewels' Secret Page 10
